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's election results a win-win for Khamenei Even though the conservative candidate in Iran's presidential candidate did not win, Ayatollah Khamenei is looking for ways to spin the election as a victory for the conservatives. Iran
'Fake news' sparks real crisis in the Gulf Controversial statements reported by Qatar's state news agency and later attributed to a hack have revealed deep tension among members of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Saudi Arabia
Jerusalem Day celebrations hide sad reality The reality of impoverished, neglected and undeveloped East Jerusalem is a far cry from the glossy image of the city presented at the celebration of 50 years of unification. Israel
Europe, France plan active Middle East policy Newly elected French President Emmanuel Macron wants France to take a central role in international diplomacy and in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Palestine
Jerusalem Day and the country without a capital Even Donald Trump wants to keep the peace in Jerusalem, which is more than can be said of Benjamin Netanyahu's government. Palestine
Erdogan consolidates control over AKP The current wide-ranging purges carried out under Turkey's emergency rule might one day spread to the ruling Justice and Development Party. Turkey
Turkey-EU set to seek new path forward in ties Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will meet European leaders this week to determine how the strained relationship between Ankara and Brussels will proceed henceforth. Turkey
Security around Erdogan tight as Brussels braces for NATO talks Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to press the European Union on terrorism, its customs union and Turkey’s accession talks, though Human Rights Watch has called on the EU to prioritize human rights as it renegotiates the existing customs union. Turkey
Iranian media ties Manchester bombing to Trump’s Saudi visit Iranian media ties the deadly bombing in Manchester to the West’s relationship with Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
Slew of strange bills brings more controversy for Egypt's parliament Proposed legislation on topics such as charging fees to access Facebook and restricting baby names has led many Egyptians to complain that the country’s legislators aren’t tackling the nation's pressing problems. Egypt
Russia picks 'bull terrier' as new ambassador to US Can the extensive experience of Russian ambassador-in-waiting Anatoly Antonov, who has played an instrumental role in Moscow's policies across the Middle East, overcome controversy in Washington to pave the way for cooperation? Russia
Disputes over Iraq's Yazidi areas lead to fears of PMU-peshmerga clash The Popular Mobilization Units is involved in military operations in Yazidi areas of northern Iraq, angering peshmerga, who argue that the PMU is not allowed to do so by an agreement between Erbil and Baghdad. Iraq
