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
Despite talk of good relations, security concerns darken Egypt-Sudan ties Though both sides seem to be trying to downplay the conflicts, Egypt-Sudan relations remain far from friendly as Sudan accuses the Egyptian regime of supporting Sudanese rebels and Egypt accuses Sudan of hosting terror training camps. Egypt
Critics say operation to take port could spell more catastrophe for Yemen As the Trump administration considers providing support for a UAE/Saudi operation to take a Yemeni port, some UN, former US officials warn it could tip Yemen into famine. Saudi Arabia
Congress raises alarm over US confrontation with Yemen's Houthis House members want the legislative branch to sign off before any escalation against the Iran-backed group. Saudi Arabia
Will EU take the lead on two-state solution? The European Union is developing a new Middle East policy, which will not depend on the Trump administration. Palestine
Turkey adopts Baghdadi as poster child for naysayers Supporters of proposed amendments to Turkey's constitution are using some vivid imagery in their campaign. Turkey
Tillerson leaves Ankara with no new enemies — or friends The US secretary of state seems to have made little progress on his first official trip to Turkey, where Rex Tillerson is believed to have confirmed the administration’s decision to press ahead with plans to capture Raqqa with the help of the Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces. Turkey
Ahmadinejad retakes spot on Iran's political stage, despite ‘advice’ Even though Iran's supreme leader has publicly "advised" him not to run for office, former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad appears to think that it doesn't apply to his inner circle. Iran
The surprising rise of the head of Iran's most influential charity Ebrahim Raisi, head of one of Iran’s wealthiest organizations, appears to be using his position to put himself in the national spotlight ahead of presidential elections. Iran
Ultra-Orthodox leadership silent over violent demonstration Much like the leaders of the ultra-Orthodox community, Israeli politicians and ministers are afraid to condemn the violent demonstrations against the summoning of ultra-Orthodox students to IDF induction centers. Israel
Will US keep military bases in Iraq after IS? The Iraqi prime minister's recent visit to the United States indicates both parties are interested in maintaining a US presence in Iraq after the Islamic State is forced out. However, Iran-backed militias strongly oppose the idea. Iraq
How Egypt's government plans to save sea turtles Cairo is preparing to launch a nationwide program to end the slaughter of sea turtles, which are becoming an endangered species. Egypt
PA, Jordan compete for aid at Arab League Summit Both the Palestinian and Jordanian governments took advantage of the Arab League Summit in Amman to present their cases for why they deserve more financial aid from the rich Gulf countries. Saudi Arabia
