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
Why does Rouhani suddenly want to 'rename' Iran’s currency? The Hassan Rouhani administration’s push for currency reform is being met with criticism as economists say the Iranian economy is not yet ready to handle the potential dangers of a redenomination. Iran
Obama administration, allies try to buy time for Iran nuclear deal In its final weeks, the Obama administration and its European allies are trying to convince the emerging Trump team that the deal is working. United States
Iranian media lauds Putin's restraint after assassination Following the assassination of Russia’s ambassador to Turkey, Iranian newspapers praised President Vladimir Putin for his “wise” decisions after the killing. Syria
Turkey’s entanglement in Syria sparks violence, assassination at home As Turkey gets more into the Syrian swamp, the Syrian spillover into Turkey could turn into a flood. Syria
Is Turkey going to reinstate the caliphate? Erdogan’s populist slogan “National will demands this” is pulling the country into a quagmire. Turkey
Eurasia Tunnel overshadows murder of Russian envoy in Turkey The opening of Istanbul's Eurasia Tunnel, the second underwater passageway connecting Europe and Asia under the Bosporus, has been a chance for some pro-Erdogan media outlets to sideline coverage of the murder of Russian Ambassador Andrei Karlov. Turkey
Battle over Israel’s Labor leadership kicks off Former Defense Minister Amir Peretz is by no means a new face in the Labor Party, but his integrity could help him win the party’s leadership. Israel
Why some are worried about Egypt's new media law Egyptian parliament has passed a new media law that places further restrictions on the press, as some argue Sisi’s reign has become the “worst ever” for freedom of speech. Egypt
Federal budget widens political conflict among Kurdish forces The federal budget widens the gap between the Kurdish political parties, as some of them supported it strongly and others rejected it, calling for amendments. Iraq
Why Aleppo will serve to embolden Iran While having paid a steep price for standing by its regional allies, Iran increasingly appears to be achieving its objectives in Syria. Syria
How Amona settlement set Israeli precedent The Israeli government's response in the Amona settlement dispute shows that the settlers have won, setting a clear path for future settlement battles. Palestine
Turkey blames usual suspects for murder of Russian ambassador Few people in Turkey are entertaining the possibility that the killing of Russian Ambassador Andrei Karlov by an off-duty police officer was a "lone wolf" attack. Turkey
