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
Will West Bank annexation harm US-Jordan security cooperation? There is too much at stake for Jordan to jeopardize its relations with the United States over Israel's plans to annex parts of the West Bank and the Jordan Valley. Jordan
Pro-Iran militias in Iraq wage 'fake news' campaign against US Several pro-Iran militias have lately claimed responsibility for attacking US forces in Iraq, but examining their media activities indicates they are probably fake groups created by existing militias to show strength without taking the risk of ramifications. Iraq
Temple Mount reopens amid growing tensions in Jerusalem After the killing of Palestinian Iyad al-Hallak by an Israeli police officer, authorities fear conflict is brewing on the Temple Mount. Palestine
New coronavirus clusters in Lebanon's marginalized communities For many who have been dealing with the effects of Lebanon’s ongoing economic crisis or have been marginalized by their refugee status, the pandemic has not been a priority. Lebanon
Iraq registers dramatic jump in COVID-19 cases There were 416 new confirmed infections of the novel coronavirus in Iraq today. Iraq
Intel: State Department approves $1.4 billion upgrade for Kuwait’s missile defenses The US State Department approved Kuwait’s request for $1.425 billion in upgrades for the Gulf country’s Patriot missile defense systems. Kuwait
Russia to negotiate with Syria on more military bases: Interfax Russia, which currently has two permanent military facilities in Syria, will reportedly hold talks with Damascus over obtaining more. Syria
Netanyahu undeterred on annexation Israel's prime minister has dismissed the international outcry, counting on the US president and popular support at home. Palestine
Despite trial, Netanyahu's popularity soaring Despite the opening of his trail, and despite failures in prior elections, the popularity of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu keeps soaring. Israel
Egypt imposes strict measures on illegal construction The authorities in Egypt are seeking, under the Emergency Law, to limit illegal constructions and the exploitation by some of the state’s preoccupation with the coronavirus. Egypt
Prosecution of blogger over Quran parody ignites renewed fears of censorship The criminal case against Emna Chargui for a Ramadan Facebook post has raised questions about the limits of free speech in Tunisia, and given rise to passionate protests against the enforcement of Ben Ali-era laws. Tunisia
Turkey readies for 'new normal' after declaring success against coronavirus President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced that a raft of restrictions imposed to curb the outbreak will be lifted next week as the country’s infection and death rates fall sharply. Turkey