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
Trump's Syria pullout divides Iran hawks Despite bipartisan rebuke, some see great benefits in fixing ties with Turkey. Iraq
Congress puts heat on Saudis for helping fugitives flee country Congress is cracking down on Saudi Arabia for allegedly helping its citizens escape the US criminal justice system. Saudi Arabia
Beirut burns as Lebanon protests new taxes Protests in Lebanon over new taxes continued despite the use of force by politicians' bodyguards. Lebanon
Iraq on low boil in anticipation of renewed protests The crisis in Syria has only made Iraq’s problems worse. Iraq
Why Trump’s sanctions failed to shock Turkey’s economy Despite a series of threats to “destroy” Turkey’s economy, Trump’s sanctions against Ankara have failed to trigger a currency shock like the one last year, owing to reasons related to the contraction of the Turkish economy. Turkey
Why Russia isn't bothered by US-Turkey agreement on Syria Russia, which has been conducting its own whirlwind diplomacy this week, wasn't disturbed by the US-Turkey deal over northern Syria. Gulf
Behind Egypt's gift to Islamic Jihad Egypt has freed some 80 Islamic Jihad prisoners as a goodwill gesture in an effort to bring about an extended calm in Gaza and by extension prevent a conflagration in the Sinai Peninsula. Palestine
Turkey violates deal to pause Syrian fighting, officials say Shortly after Vice President Mike Pence and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan struck a deal to allow the Kurdish People’s Protection Units to evacuate the northern Syrian battlefield, Turkey continued its offensive into northern Syria early today. Syria
Syrian opposition ready to resume fighting if YPG stays in safe zone The Syrian National Army’s main goal behind its participation in Operation Peace Spring is to get rid of the Kurdish-dominated People’s Protection Units and the Democratic Union Party. Syria
Civil society activists and journalists leave Baghdad in fear of being arrested In the wake of protests, civil society activists and journalists are leaving Baghdad after hearing the Iraqi government is preparing to arrest them. Iraq
PA seeks warmer ties with Saudi Arabia Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas visited Saudi Arabia for the first time in months, reflecting warmer relations between the two countries. Saudi Arabia
Palestinian prime minister vows to stop Israeli raids A promise by Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh to halt Israel's raids into Area A of the West Bank leaves Palestinians wondering what comes next. Palestine