Despite predictions of voter fatigue in Israel's third round of elections in less than a year and growing fears of the coronavirus outbreak, voter turnout early in today's elections has been high.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Polls report high numbers as Israel votes yet again
Iraq opts not to get involved in lawsuit over Soleimani killing
Iraqi political parties have rejected involving Iraq in the preparation of a judicial file involving the assassination of Iranian Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Iraq opts not to get involved in lawsuit over Soleimani killing
Intel: Third time’s a charm as Netanyahu scores election win
After three parliamentary elections within the span of a year, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will continue occupying his position for a further term.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Intel: Third time’s a charm as Netanyahu scores election win
The bitter victory of Israel’s Arab party
Members of the Arab Joint List are proud of their achievement of 15 Knesset seats, but are deeply disappointed over the failure of the left-wing camp.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: The bitter victory of Israel’s Arab party
A Jordanian dinner table pushes for social change
Every other week since 2016, dozens of near-strangers gather at the Shams Community house in Amman to discuss hot topics, from sex to religion.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: A Jordanian dinner table pushes for social change
‘Killer instinct’ clinches it for Netanyahu
Faced with a weak and disastrous campaign by Blue and White and its leader, Benny Gantz, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu won the March 2 elections despite initially appearing to be on his way out of the political arena.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: ‘Killer instinct’ clinches it for Netanyahu
US threatens to stop Yemen aid if Houthis don’t cooperate
USAID has informed Houthis rebels in Yemen that it will halt humanitarian aid deliveries to areas the rebels control if they continue to interfere in the distribution of assistance.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: US threatens to stop Yemen aid if Houthis don’t cooperate
Iran risks confrontation with Turkey over Idlib
While Iran's military command in Syria has issued direct warnings aimed at Turkey, President Hassan Rouhani and the Iranian foreign ministry continue to insist on the role of diplomacy and dialogue.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Iran risks confrontation with Turkey over Idlib
Egypt believes Ethiopia is dodging dam agreement
Ethiopian representatives did not attend the recent round of US-mediated talks on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam -- talks that were supposed to wrap up with a signed final agreement among Cairo, Addis Ababa and Khartoum.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Egypt believes Ethiopia is dodging dam agreement
Power vacuum in Iraq leads to threats from pro-Iran faction
Pro-Iran factions in Iraq worry that they could lose their political sway, having failed to keep one prime minister in power, then failing in their attempt to replace him, as they recognize the next candidate could be selected from outside their political circle with the support of Kurds, Sunnis and Shiite rivals.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Power vacuum in Iraq leads to threats from pro-Iran faction