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
The story behind Brotherhood’s low-key lobbying before Sisi state visit As Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi arrives in Washington to meet US President Donald Trump, a previously unpublished document reveals the behind-the-scenes efforts made by the Muslim Brotherhood to keep from being labeled a terrorist group in the United States. Egypt
The human cost of the siege of Sanaa Although the Houthis are currently economically besieged, it is clear that human costs of draining sources of income of the rebel group is higher than what most Yemenis can handle. Yemen
Can Netanyahu outmaneuver Trump? The decision by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to limit settlement construction is an attempt to make President Donald Trump think that any failure to reach a peace deal is the Palestinians' fault. Palestine
Did the US, Turkey reach understanding on Assad? Turkey declares an end to Syrian military intervention; alarm over possible US military support to Gulf coalition in Yemen war. Legacy: Gulf
Did Tillerson's visit to Turkey relieve tensions? It is still unclear whether US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s highly anticipated visit to Ankara had a positive impact on Turkey-US relations. Turkey
Kurdish flag fans controversy in Iraq's Kirkuk Raising the Kurdistan flag atop the governmental buildings in Kirkuk sparked tension in the province and in Baghdad. Iraq
Netanyahu gains victory in battle over public broadcasting Israeli Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon found himself isolated this week when he misjudged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's control over his coalition in the fight over launching Israel's Public Broadcasting Corporation. Israel
How will Abadi handle Iraq’s Shiite militias? Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi faces a great challenge in dealing with the predominately Shiite Popular Mobilization Units fighting in Iraq, as some of its factions are refusing to be integrated into the army and other security forces. Iraq
Iran in crosshairs as Syrian war winds down As a resolution to the Syrian conflict grows closer, it is becoming clear that Iran is increasingly in the crosshairs of the Damascus regime's opponents and their backers. Saudi Arabia
Palestine tops Arab League agenda at Jordan summit Palestinian leaders have expressed happiness that their concerns were addressed at the Arab League summit, though the annual meeting has done little to convince the world of Arab resolve on any one issue. Palestine
Lebanon's complacent politicians choose more taxes over reforms As the Lebanese government passed a new budget that includes tax hikes and spending increases, economic experts are calling on politicians to instead focus on fighting corruption and money waste in state institutions. Lebanon
Palestinian task force seeks to improve disaster management The Palestinian Cabinet has formed the National Disaster Risk Management Committee to study and better prepare for national disasters. Palestine
