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
Can new police force halt Egypt's rising divorce rates? A number of parliamentarians have proposed creating a "family police" to address domestic disputes, yet some argue cash-strapped Cairo can't afford such a measure at this time. Egypt
Furious Zarif defends Iran's foreign policy to critic In his first appearance since the Islamic Republic’s 10th parliament was inaugurated in May, Iran’s foreign minister lashed out at a political opponent for questioning the intentions of the country’s foreign policies. Iran
Will state of emergency become the new normal for Turkey? Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan appears to be contemplating extending the state of emergency in Turkey beyond 12 months. Turkey
Turkey-US ties could fray further as Pentagon mulls arming YPG Already rocky relations between Turkey and the United States are likely to worsen if the White House approves an expected Pentagon request to provide more weapons to the People's Protection Units. Syria
Why is the Turkish government now targeting cartoons? The Turkish government’s onslaught on small broadcasters with predominantly Kurdish, Alevi and leftist audiences sparks fears beyond the issue of press freedom. Turkey
Will PMU attack US troops in Iraq? Factions of the Popular Mobilization Units are threatening to target US troops taking part in the battle for Mosul, but the Iraqi government is working to smooth over tensions. Iraq
Who will be Hamas' next leader? Hamas is expected to hold internal elections that will likely result in a new political bureau head, but the movement has yet to officially announce any plans. Palestine
Celebrated abroad, Oscar-winning Iranian director comes under fire at home Award-winning director Asghar Farhadi’s latest film to be chosen as Iran’s Oscar submission has come under fire from conservative critics at home. Iran
Why did Egypt really back down on Russian wheat import ban? While Cairo claims its decision to allow trace amounts of ergot fungus in wheat imports complies with earlier regulations, some in Egypt are questioning the motives. Egypt
How Abbas proved his courage to Israelis Criticism at home did not deter Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas from participating at the funeral of President Shimon Peres and demonstrating his commitment to peace. Palestine
Peres’ secret Marshall Plan for the Middle East Shimon Peres, who died last week, as president worked relentlessly to engage Israel, the Palestinians, the Arab world and global high-tech companies in his Middle East Marshall Plan for turning the region into a peaceful technological powerhouse. Israel
How Netanyahu took advantage of Peres’ funeral When eulogizing late President Shimon Peres, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu actually praised his own diplomatic vision and persona. Israel
