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
Turkish-Greek standoff over Aegean islets continues Disagreements over the fate of suspected Gulenist officers in Greece and the status of disputed Aegean Sea islands continue to chill Turkish-Greek relations. Syria
Why are Syrian rebels stepping up efforts to isolate Iran? The Syrian rebels’ rejection of Iran as a guarantor of the cease-fire in Syria is about much more than simple anti-Iranian sentiment among Sunni militants. Syria
Iranian president calls Trump 'novice in politics' Iran’s defense minister has confirmed the reports of a new Iranian missile test, saying it is not in violation of the nuclear deal. United States
Is Israeli opposition harming High Court's status? A court petition submitted by Zionist Camp leader Isaac Herzog against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holding the Communications Ministry reflects the opposition's weakness and damages the court. Israel
Turkey squeezed between Russia, US in Syria US President Donald Trump’s safe zones idea and Russia’s draft constitution get cold reactions from Ankara. Syria
Smuggling activities more than double at Israel-Gaza borders Israel has announced an unprecedented rise of goods smuggling through its border into the besieged Gaza Strip, despite the Israeli security measures at the crossings. Palestine
Is a bromance brewing between Sudan, the Saudis? Egypt gets the cold shoulder while Saudi Arabia helps get some US sanctions lifted from Sudan, and Khartoum remains committed to the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen. Saudi Arabia
Could submarine scandal blow up in Netanyahu’s face? A private report by Zionist Camp Knesset member Erel Margalit claims that the submarine purchase affair and the possible involvement of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu run much deeper than preliminary revelations in the press. Israel
Hezbollah torn between local, regional roles In light of the raging regional crises, Hezbollah has been intervening outside Lebanon's border in support of its foreign allies in Syria, Iraq and elsewhere, raising controversy inside the country about the movement’s local and regional influence. Lebanon
Sexual harassment common even for Iraqi women professionals As Iraqi women expand their presence in the workplace, they are increasingly subjected to sexual harassment, including at public institutions. Iraq
Former US envoy: Syria may be central to Trump-Netanyahu meeting US President Donald Trump has hinted at creating safe zones in Syria in a draft executive order and in conversations with the Saudi king, while the former US ambassador to Israel says Syria will likely be a "central topic" in Trump’s upcoming meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Saudi Arabia
Saudis hopeful but wary about Trump Saudi Arabia is hopeful in regard to the Trump administration's views on Iran and closer counterterrorism and military cooperation, but remains wary on other policy issues. Legacy: Gulf
