After Jordan, Emirates also furious with Netanyahu Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not only managed to get into a diplomatic row with Jordan, he also succeeded in angering the Emiratis. Israel
Iran operating new advanced centrifuges, nuclear watchdog finds According to an International Atomic Energy Agency report, Iran is now using IR-4 centrifuges to enrich uranium in violation of the nuclear accord. Iran
Lawsuit filed to close pro-Kurdish party after lawmaker stripped of parliamentary seat Omer Faruk Gergerlioglu, a pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party deputy known to focus on human rights abuses, was stripped of his parliament seat and a lawsuit was filed to close the party March 17. Turkey
Netanyahu courts Arab voters as 'Abu Yair' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has adopted a new strategy for the Arab public: cynically rebranding himself as "Abu Yair." Israel
Iran plays Hamas card Iran's improved relations with Turkey, Qatar and Hamas send a message to the region. Palestine
Are Yemeni rebels imploding? Saudi Arabia's hope to exit the Yemen scene could depend largely on Ali Abdullah Saleh and the Yemeni rebel factions' falling apart. Saudi Arabia
How Islamic State is undermining peace prospects in Libya As Libya’s rival parties are moving forward toward a political solution, it seems that the Islamic State and other extremist organizations are re-emerging on the internal scene in a bid to torpedo any such efforts for peace. Libya
PA worries Egyptian aid to Hamas prolongs Palestinian division Gaza is in desperate need of Egyptian aid such as diesel fuel supplies and a planned free-trade zone, but some in Ramallah fear that if Gaza's financial crisis eases too much, Hamas will be less motivated to reconcile. Palestine
Iranian Kurds urge Iraqi brethren to stay united ahead of referendum As Iraqi Kurds increasingly quarrel ahead of the Sept. 25 independence referendum, Iranian Kurds are urging their western neighbors to stay united and press ahead with the vote. Iraq
Palestinians want to be called ‘state under occupation’ Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is preparing a UN resolution proposal that will change the definition of “Palestinian territories under occupation” into “a Palestinian state under occupation.” Palestine
Is Israel’s Arab party about to split? The Joint List of predominantly Arab parties is on the verge of disintegration — not because of the wide ideological rift amid its factions, but over a vacant Knesset seat. Israel
How Egypt is promoting education for Syrian refugees The efforts of the Egyptian government to integrate Syrian students in Egyptian schools aim to make the students feel welcome. Egypt
Will Palestinians shift strategy to include UN? The Palestinians appear to have started a serious rethink of their national strategy, but it is crucial that they understand both the potential and the limitations that going the United Nations route will provide. Palestine
Why Russia seeks to stay neutral in Saudi-Qatar rift Russia's offer to mediate in the Qatar crisis is a strategic move designed to place Moscow in the catbird seat without endangering relations with either side. Saudi Arabia
Defying Trump, IAEA says Iran honoring nuclear deal The world atomic energy agency rejected the Trump administration's push to inspect Iranian military sites without a clear reason. Originals
Second indictment for Erdogan guards over DC beatdown in May A grand jury in Washington has indicted Turkish security officials accused of attacking pro-Kurdish protesters in the US capital in May, prompting worry that the Turkish president may boycott upcoming United Nations meetings just as the administration seeks to repair ties. Turkey
