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
US won’t change Syria policy to free missing Americans, Pompeo says Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was asked if the Trump administration would consider meeting the Syrian regime's terms, which reportedly include withdrawing all American forces from the country. Syria
Citing rights abuses, House Democrats push administration to snub Saudi-hosted G-20 summit Lawmakers said the US government has an obligation to ensure such gatherings are not used to distract from ongoing human rights violations. Saudi Arabia
Knesset speaker disqualifies vote to probe Netanyahu in submarine affair Israel’s opposition lawmakers are furious over Knesset speaker Yuli Edelstein's decision to nullify a vote to probe the prime minister in the notorious submarine affair. Israel
'Mr. Security' Netanyahu discovers: security last thing on Israelis’ minds Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is now discovering that with the raging pandemic and economic crisis, security is the last thing on Israelis’ minds. Israel
Turkey on course to strategic partnership with Ukraine Turkey’s thriving collaboration with Ukraine in key defense industry projects seems to be edging toward a strategic partnership that could challenge Russia’s standing in the Black Sea region. Turkey
Misfiring trade policies could lead Iran to deeper trade deficit Iran is working to develop non-oil exports in the face of US sanctions, but the country's trade policies are in dire need of reform before real progress will be feasible. United States
Egypt promotes birth control to slow population growth The Egyptian government is launching a series of projects and campaigns to raise awareness about the country’s growing population and the negative impact it has on available resources. Egypt
First UAE delegation visits Israel amid Palestinian opposition Palestinians continue to oppose the UAE's normalization with Israel, as UAE and Israeli officials sign agreement on visa-free travel in Tel Aviv today. United Arab Emirates
Jamal Khashoggi’s fiancee sues Mohammed bin Salman in US court More than two dozen Saudis are named in the lawsuit seeking accountability for Jamal Khashoggi's "ruthless torture and murder." Saudi Arabia
Iran hard-liners renew calls for Rouhani’s head Extremists among the opponents of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani are calling for his impeachment and even execution after he suggested rapprochement with the United States could happen. Iran
UAE delegation arrives in Israel The first official delegation has arrived from the United Arab Emirates to Israel to sign four cooperation agreements, including a visa-exemption treaty. United Arab Emirates
Syrian extremist group in Idlib breaks with jihadist ideologue When Hayat Tahrir al-Sham was first established, it taught its members the approach of prominent jihadist ideologue Abu Mohammad al-Maqdisi, but it has now severed ties with him and recanted his ideology. Syria