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
After Syria, Pentagon ramps up electronic warfare efforts A new team at the US Defense Department is addressing the growing Russian threat to American military technology after Moscow's jamming complicated the Syrian battlefield. Russia
Pro-Iran events fizzle as Iraqis steer clear of regional drama Iraqis are making it clear that they want no part in the regional conflict surrounding Iran while their leaders offer mediation to avoid war. Iraq
Palestinian self-made weaponry on the rise Despite Israel's siege on the Gaza Strip, the armed wings of the Palestinian factions have managed to expand their military capabilities. Palestine
West Bank security arrests alleged IS recruit targeting Israel Palestinian Authority security services tell Israeli media they arrested a Palestinian woman they believe was going to blow herself up in Israel for the Islamic State. Palestine
Turkey to end draft — for those who can pay A proposed bill to change Turkey's conscription practices has stirred fierce debate and warnings from military experts. Turkey
Failure to ensure equity sows seeds of conflict, UN development chief says In an interview with Al-Monitor, the head of the UN Development Program discusses his agency’s work in conflict zones like Syria and the future of multilateralism. Syria
More Arab protests expected against Kurdish SDF in Syria Al-Monitor traveled recently to Syria's Deir ez-Zor province, an area of deadly unrest between Arab civilians and Kurdish-led factions, to speak with victims' families. Syria
Who is really behind torching of Iraqi grain fields? The setting afire of grain fields in disputed areas between Baghdad and Erbil flames ethnic tensions between Arabs and Kurds. Iraq
Pentagon fears China’s growth in Middle East arms market The Donald Trump administration is worried that China is capturing a larger role in a Middle East arms market that the United States has traditionally dominated. United States
Palestinian refugees return to streets as Lebanon camp clears weapons from public life A partial disarmament agreement has calmed the Palestinian refugee camp of Mieh Mieh, where violent factional clashes displaced residents for months. Palestine
Palestinian Authority gearing up for unrest amid financial crisis Israel has approved the transfer of light armored military vehicles to the West Bank amid fears of the Palestinian Authority's economic collapse. Palestine
