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
Iran welcomes Saudi signals for de-escalation Archenemies Iran and Saudi Arabia appear to be closer to de-escalating tensions that have recently risen to all-time highs. Saudi Arabia
Young Moroccan activists rally for climate action Morocco is already taking big steps to combat climate change, but young people want their country to do more, starting with addressing the local problems that limit public engagement. Morocco
Syrian opposition skeptical of Assad’s amnesty decision Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says he will pardon army deserters and release political detainees from prison, but his credibility is lacking because of his past reversals. Syria
Egypt’s opposition threatens to freeze political activities over crackdown Some Egyptian political parties, reacting to recent arrests made to curtail protests, have threatened to cease political activity to express opposition to the authorities' approach. Egypt
Regional powers jockey for influence in Deir ez-Zor protests Recent protests in Syria’s Deir ez-Zor, split between pro-regime and SDF forces, have raised questions about who will eventually exert control over the region, as heavily restricted access for independent journalists means information coming out of the area is scarce and narratives diverge. Syria
Israel combats Palestinians' West Bank rocket-making Israel is growing concerned about Palestinian factions’ attempts to manufacture rockets inside the West Bank. Palestine
Iran's Ministry of Education fails to deliver on promises Iran's education system needs stability at its upper levels of management, as well as an infusion of new ideas and creative young teachers who are encouraged to rise through the ranks. Iran
Iran rejects European warning on nuclear deal breaches Iran appears to be disregarding warnings from Europe against further reductions in its nuclear commitments. Iran
Turkish philanthropist Osman Kavala spends 700th day behind bars The prominent civil society figure marks 700 days in prison this week during his trial for allegedly plotting against the government, a charge worth life without possibility of parole. Turkey
Turkey’s wealth fund borrows to rescue companies Having borrowed 1 billion euros from foreign lenders, Turkey’s controversial sovereign wealth fund has turned to rescuing troubled construction companies. Turkey
Hamas takes rare action in alleged nepotism case following public pressure After an outcry from the Palestinian public, Hamas fined the son of one of its leaders in a case of corruption within its own ranks. Palestine
Why do some Iraqi MPs refuse to be sworn in? More than a year from the formation of the Iraqi parliament, some members of the parliament refuse to be sworn in, hoping to gain executive posts. Iraq