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
Turkey's hands tied as Syrian army makes gains in Idlib Behind its strong condemnations, Turkey is quietly accepting the new status quo in and around Idlib. Syria
Israeli Arabs alarmed over Benny Gantz supporting Trump’s plan Israeli-Arab politicians warn that they will not support a Blue and White-led coalition after the elections, if party head Benny Gantz keeps supporting the Trump administration's peace plan. Israel
Intel: Will Russia, Turkey de-escalate tensions over Syria’s Idlib? The Kremlin has fired back at Turkey’s complaints that Moscow is violating its commitments in the northeastern Syrian province of Idlib. Syria
Moscow, Tel Aviv exchange favors as Netanyahu shops for support on US plan In their second meeting in two weeks, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought to placate Russian President Vladimir Putin over the US peace plan, but Moscow may see its own merits in the deal. Israel
Turkey expands gas exploration efforts to Libya’s offshore waters Turkey has moved to expand its gas exploration drive in the tension-ridden eastern Mediterranean since signing a maritime accord with Libya’s Tripoli-based government, but there are also signs that Ankara might seek to break its isolation in the region. Turkey
East Jerusalem, lacking local leaders to face daily problems, continues on edge Successive incidents in East Jerusalem are keeping the 350,000 Palestinians on edge as there seems to be no process that can lead to fill the leadership vacuum in the city. Israel
US peace plan quashes hopes for Israel-Hamas cease-fire The announcement of the US peace plan has undermined any prospect for a long-term truce between Israel and Hamas. Palestine
Trump’s 'peace plan' rewards settler violence President Donald Trump's blessing of territorial annexation is nothing less than a reward for government-sanctioned 'Wild West' settler violence and appropriation as illustrated by the small percentage of indictments for criminal acts committed against Palestinians on the West Bank. Palestine
Israeli left paralyzed over Trump’s peace plan The Israeli left has failed to challenge President Donald Trump’s "deal of the century" or to suggest alternative ideas on peace despite the plan's troubling provisions, including revoking the citizenship of Israeli Arabs. Palestine
Iraqi protests swell despite clash with Sadrist supporters When their tents were burned, Iraqi protesters replaced them with concrete structures. And when influential cleric Muqtada al-Sadr withdrew his support, even more protesters turned out despite fears of a crackdown by security forces. Iraq
White House sends Congress mixed messages on Iran war votes President Donald Trump told lawmakers to “vote with their hearts” on war powers legislation, but the White House is playing hardball with Republican defectors. Iraq
Magnitsky law spawns cottage industry of sanctions lobbying The Magnitsky Act is being used in unexpected ways, with lobbyists pushing for human rights sanctions against nations on behalf of corporate clients. Gulf