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
With Qatar isolated by GCC, Iran steps in After Saudi Arabia asked Qatar to cut relations with Iran, Iranian and Qatari leaders said they plan to expand ties. Saudi Arabia
Iraq's Kurds question motives behind independence vote Opponents of the Iraq Kurdistan referendum on independence question the real agenda behind the Kurdistan Democratic Party's push for the vote. Iraq
Rights advocates question Egypt’s decision to extend state of emergency Critics of the Egyptian government fear that a three-month extension of the state of emergency will be used to crack down on them. Egypt
Iran draws line in the sand in Syrian desert Iran stakes claim in eastern Syria; Saudi move against Hamas; Qatar risks confrontation in the Gaza Strip. Saudi Arabia
Kushner's first foray into Mideast peace reveals challenges ahead Palestinians accuse the US negotiating team that met with President Mahmoud Abbas June 22 of taking Israel's side, by not discussing the two-state solution or Israeli settlement activities. Palestine
The Turkish economy's mysterious rebound The Turkish economy's surprise 5% growth rate in the first quarter has stirred controversy, fueled mostly by a new calculation method adopted last year. Turkey
Israel wields influence to block foreign funding to Palestinian NGOs Apparently at Israel's request, some Palestinian nongovernmental organizations are losing their financial support from abroad over allegations of their links to terrorism. Palestine
Palestinians despair as Israel breaks ground on new settlement Despite UN Security Council Resolution 2334 and US President Donald Trump's efforts to resume the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, Israel has approved plans to develop its first new settlement area in 25 years. Palestine
Palestinians wary of talk Gaza may be declared 'rebel district' The poor living conditions and security situation of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip could further deteriorate if Palesinian President Mahmoud Abbas declares Gaza a "rebel district." Palestine
Tunisia can only afford neutrality in Qatar crisis Tunisia has officially remained neutral in the Qatari-Gulf crisis given its economic relations with the two main parties involved. Legacy: Gulf
PA cuts salaries to Hamas prisoners The Palestinian Authority is exerting more pressure on Hamas with its latest move cutting off the allowances of former prisoners affiliated with the Gaza group. Palestine
Israeli defense minister accuses Abbas of pushing Israel-Hamas war To destroy Hamas rule, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas pushes it into a confrontation with Israel. Palestine
