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
How Mediterranean standoff complicates Turkey's natural gas agenda Too many factors — especially tensions with Greece — are at play to determine whether recent gas discovery in the Black Sea will translate into massive commercial and political gains for Ankara. Turkey
Pompeo floats ending Sudan's terror designation amid push for Israel ties Sudan's leaders have urged the United States to remove their country from a list of state sponsors of terrorism that also includes North Korea, Iran and Syria. Israel
Germany appeals for calm as Turkish, Greek navies run drills in EastMed The Turkish and Greek navies conducted drills in the eastern Mediterranean this week as German Foreign Minister Heiko Mass seeks to bring both nations back to the negotiation table. Turkey
Pompeo praises killing of Iranian commander at Republican convention US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Qasem Soleimani was responsible for killing US soldiers and other rogue actions in the Middle East. Israel
Libyan cease-fire casts cloud over Erdogan’s ambitions Having failed to advance its military intervention in Libya, Ankara has grudgingly endorsed a cease-fire in the conflict, but its ambitions appear intact for the process down the road. Turkey
Israeli ultra-Orthodox cry persecution over Ukraine's ban on pilgrimage The ultra-Orthodox community has united behind a small, unpopular sect after Ukraine forbade this year's traditional pilgrimage. Israel
World War II site becomes promising tourist destination in Egypt As part of the government’s plan to redistribute Egypt’s growing population, a project to turn a World War II site into a resort that also includes residential units is currently underway in north Egypt. Egypt
Yemen’s warring sides blamed for destruction of heritage during heavy rainfall Yemen is trying to save its cultural heritage by appealing to UNESCO and the international community, after many of its historic cities have started collapsing due to heavy rains. Yemen
Suspicion mars death of Egyptian activist in custody An activist has died while in pre-trial detention at a prison in Cairo, shedding light on the state of human rights in Egypt and the fate of thousands of political prisoners. Egypt
Rape of teen shocks Israelis, sends them to the streets Women rights groups were joined by many Israeli firms in a protest over the gang rape of a 16-year-old in Eilat. Israel
Islamic State operative planning 'sensational' attack nabbed in Istanbul Ankara has arrested a man suspected of planning “a sensational attack” in Istanbul and six others in raids that point to a festering Islamic State problem in Turkey. Turkey
Trump, Pompeo ride to Netanyahu’s rescue The US-mediated normalization agreement with the United Arab Emirates and the visit of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo help Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to shift public attention away from the multiple crises he faces. Israel