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
Trump’s peace process heavy on talk, light on details US President Donald Trump displayed his gift as a salesman while visiting Israel and Palestine and pushing his plans for a solution to the conflict. Palestine
After Trump’s Israel love offensive, will Bibi reach a deal with him? If President Donald Trump wants his Middle East deal to succeed, he must include in it the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative. Palestine
The rapid rise of Libya's General Hifter On the third anniversary of Operation Dignity to retake Benghazi from Islamist control, Gen. Khalifa Hifter has become a major political player, but his ultimate goals remain unknown. Libya
How Trump's visit revamped US Mideast policy The regional visit of US President Donald Trump revealed that he supports an anti-Iran coalition of Sunni countries and that he is determined to broker a deal between Israel and the Palestinians. Saudi Arabia
The resurgence of Palestinian tribalism The Palestinian local elections held May 13 showed that Palestinians voted for tribal and independent lists instead of political lists, giving serious cause for concern. Palestine
Damascus, Amman exchange threats as border tensions flare Recent military exercises hosted by Jordan increased the Syrian regime's suspicion about activity on its southern border, while the opposition accuses the regime and Iran of trying to create a land route from Iran to Lebanon, through Syria and Iraq. Iraq
Egypt’s judiciary takes bold step in showdown with Sisi The Egyptian State Council decided to defy the law on the appointment of the heads of judicial bodies and nominated only Judge Yahya Dakroury, in a move that may stir a dispute with the president. Egypt
Egypt's alcohol bans keep stirring controversy A ban on alcohol during an Islamic holiday has revived debate over the effectiveness and fairness of government attempts to regulate such spirits. Egypt
Trump budget slashes Middle East aid The State Department is seeking deep cuts to military and economic assistance for Arab states. Bahrain
What’s on Rouhani’s second-term economic agenda? While President Hassan Rouhani’s economic agenda features strong commitment to the building blocks of sustainable development, there are significant challenges ahead. Iran
Iran's conservatives question election results Iranian conservatives appear unwilling to accept the landslide re-election of moderate President Hassan Rouhani. Iran
New voices join Washington clamor over beatdown by Erdogan guards More US lawmakers are calling for action against the Turkish president's security detail after it beat up protesters in Washington, while the Turkish Foreign Ministry complains of what it calls "aggressive" conduct by "US security personnel." Turkey
