Egypt sentences activist Sanaa Seif to 18 months in prison Seif, who had been in pretrial detention since June, was convicted Wednesday of spreading false news and misusing social media. Egypt
Ukraine rejects Iran's final report on downed passenger plane The Iranian government said last year's shooting down of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 was the result of a human error. Iran
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
UN says Libya arms embargo 'totally ineffective' A United Nations panel of experts accused several member states, including Turkey and Russia, of fueling the Libyan conflict. Libya
Violence escalates in Sinai Terrorist groups in North Sinai continue to launch attacks against government forces while Egypt's wide-scale anti-terror operation drags on. Egypt
Trump touts Syria deal as Congress advances sanctions A high-level US delegation has worked out a deal to temporarily halt Turkey’s violent weeklong offensive into northern Syria, but many in the Trump administration believe the price the Kurds are paying is too high. Syria
Turkish foreign minister: US-Turkey deal 'not a cease-fire' Vice President Mike Pence announced that Turkish officials have agreed to suspend military operations in northeast Syria for five days to allow Kurdish forces to withdraw from the border area. Syria
Putin's visit draws UAE, Russia closer The UAE's welcoming ceremony for Putin outperformed that of the Saudis but this is not the only reason why the Russian president left Abu Dhabi happy. Legacy: Gulf
Netanyahu discovers hospitality has its limits Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tried to ingratiate himself at both the White House and the Kremlin, but now finds himself home alone. Palestine
Pompeo visit fails to reassure Israel on Syria, Iran The meeting of US secretary of State Mike Pompeo with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not reassure Jerusalem over developments in Syria and Iran. Israel
Netanyahu camp adds Arab 'extortion' to right-wing playbook With Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unable to form a government with his right-wing allies, he and his associates hope to prevent others from succeeding at the task by launching a new line of attack inciting against the Arab parties and branding those who cooperate with them as security threats. Israel
Is Kurdish dream of autonomy coming to an end? The clouds of doubt over the Kurdish autonomy project in northern Syria have thickened after the Kurds struck a military alliance with Damascus, without getting any assurances on their future political rights. Syria
Turkish attacks cut water supply to Syrian province Shelling by Turkey in northeastern Syria has damaged the main water station supplying Hasakah province, where thousands of people, including many fleeing the Turkish invasion to the north, are at risk of not having safe drinking water. Syria
Algerian regime steps up repression against protests Algeria's interim government appears to be ramping up its response to Hirak activists taking part in popular protests, including resorting to extended pre-hearing detentions and holding protesters in inhumane conditions. Algeria
Congress noncommittal on Turkey sanctions The House and several Republican senators are ready to move on a harsh Turkey sanctions package, but Senate leadership is more cautious. Syria
Anger pushes sanctions in Washington as Pence, Pompeo visit Ankara Following an initial delay, multiple sanctions targeting Turkey are emerging from the White House, Congress and Justice Department as a US delegation visits Ankara to negotiate a cease-fire in Syria. Syria
