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
Even with Biden, talks with Palestinians not on Israel’s agenda Despite the election of Joe Biden, no one in Israel is keen to rush to the negotiating table with the Palestinians. Palestine
US unveils new round of Iran sanctions, Pompeo pledges more to come Targets in the latest round of sanctions include an Iranian charitable organization and Iran's intelligence minister. United States
Iran fed uranium gas to prohibited centrifuges at underground site, says UN US President Donald Trump proposed attacking the site in a meeting with advisers last week. Iran
Israel reportedly bombs southern Syria Syrian opposition sources said the airstrikes targeted Iranian militias near the capital Damascus. Israel
Aid groups in Yemen say Houthi terror designation would deepen crisis The Trump administration is weighing whether to designate the Iran-aligned rebel group as a foreign terrorist organization. Yemen
Why Erdogan seeks fresh military mandate for Azerbaijan Turkey’s government has obtained a broad parliamentary mandate for military deployment in Azerbaijan, signaling intentions beyond the joint cease-fire-monitoring center agreed with Russia. Turkey
Netanyahu goes for broke in Trump's last two months Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is still hoping to squeeze last-minute favors from outgoing US President Donald Trump at the expense of his relationship with the incoming administration. Israel
Lebanon’s intelligence chief visited Damascus amid efforts to free Austin Tice Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim suggested efforts to secure the American journalist's release continued after Ibrahim visited Washington last month. Lebanon
Opposition leader sees warning in Russian cease-fire violations in Syria The Syrian Opposition Coalition's president blames Russia for the failure of political process. Syria
Intel: US to activate air defense batteries to test Israel's Iron Dome Both Iron Domes are expected to arrive at Fort Bliss by January Israel
Biden unlikely to turn back in Iraq Former Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel says Biden knows Iraq "as well or better than just about anyone." Iraq
US threat to shutter Baghdad embassy 'ongoing,' says Syria envoy Outgoing US Syria envoy James Jeffrey says the State Department's threats to close the US Embassy in Iraq is "very serious." Iraq
