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
In Beirut visit, France’s Macron promises reform in 'new political pact' The French president said he would meet with Lebanon's political elite to propose a series of reforms that would ensure aid does not go to waste. Lebanon
Israel prepares to resume air travel in mid-August Israel’s coronavirus cabinet has decided to reopen Israeli skies on Aug. 16. Israel
Israel struggles to reach out to Lebanon after blast Not all Israelis were pleased with Tel Aviv's gesture of solidarity with Lebanon, with quite a few saying that lighting the city hall up like the Lebanese flag went too far. Israel
Ethiopia angered by Egypt’s alleged plan to establish military base in Somaliland Egypt has reportedly discussed with the Somaliland government Cairo’s suggestion to establish a military facility in the country, raising the anger of Ethiopia. Egypt
Moscow boosts ties with Tehran as US-Iran tensions escalate While Iran and Russia are trying to limit US influence in the Middle East, the United States lacks the leverage to counter China’s and Russia’s growing influence in the region. Russia
Tel Aviv outlines plan to face climate crisis The Tel Aviv-Yafo municipality has unveiled an ambitious plan to meet the challenges of climate change, a first for Israeli cities. Israel
Despite COVID-19, Israel allows foreign yeshiva students to enter country After a weekslong battle, foreign yeshiva students will be allowed to enter Israel with lenient quarantine requirements. Israel
Turkish lira slides 2% amid reserves concerns Turkey’s currency slumped 2% against the dollar Wednesday as concerns linger over Central Bank policies and depleted reserves. Turkey
KRG seeks US help to rein in Turkish attacks While the United States has denied rumors that a US military delegation met with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party in the Qandil mountains, sources tell Al-Monitor that a team of US special operations forces went to inspect sites damaged in Turkish airstrikes. Iraqi-Kurdistan
Has Iraq failed to control drone movement? Iraq is facing a new security challenge with its lack of control of drones, which have been increasingly used in the past months. Iraq
Iran hangs protester despite calls to halt execution Campaigns led by Iranian human rights activists failed to halt the execution of the protester arrested during anti-government rallies in late 2017. Iran
Appointing military advisers to oversee civil life in Egypt stirs anger According to a new law approved by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, a military adviser will be tasked with representing the Ministry of Defense in every governorate, as is the case with all other ministries. Egypt