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
Leader defines principles of new Future Syria Party In an interview with Al-Monitor, the leader of the newly established Future Syria Party, Ibrahim al-Qaftan, rejected claims that the group seeks to counter Turkish pressure in northern Syria, stressing that its goal is to build a pluralistic and democratic state. Syria
Israel ignores failure of Gaza blockade policy Israeli leadership refuses to recognize the reality and admit that its Gaza blockade policy failed in toppling Hamas rule. Palestine
US pumps brakes as Ankara touts Manbij deal No agreement has been struck between Turkey and the United States on the control of Manbij, though Ankara is eager to report one with its somewhat estranged ally. Syria
Has the US conceded to Turkey in Manbij? Diplomats say major differences on multiple levels make a breakthrough in US-Turkish strategy on Syria difficult. Syria
Politicized peshmerga adds to Iraqi Kurdistan destabilization There's long been talk of unifying the fractured peshmerga forces in the Iraqi Kurdistan region, but action is direly needed. Iraq
Netanyahu’s dilemma on Hamas Several signals indicate that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is willing to compromise on the Gaza Strip and reach an agreement with Hamas in order to avoid another escalation. Palestine
Islamic Jihad drags Hamas into conflict with Israel Hamas has joined Islamic Jihad in its escalating conflict with Israel, but also tries setting red lines to limit the escalation. Palestine
Egyptian camera bill stokes fears of surveillance state Some fear a draft law requiring public cafes and shops to use surveillance cameras threatens to turn Egypt into a surveillance state. Egypt
Jordan keeps close tabs on southern Syria amid heightened tensions With reports that Iranian militias have withdrawn from southern Syria and the army is preparing to launch a military assault against rebels there, Jordan fears the cease-fire agreement could be jeopardized. Israel
Pentagon set to enhance Jordan’s counterterror troops The Pentagon is sending more than $22 million to help Jordan outfit its emerging special operations command and quick reaction force. Jordan
Iran-Israel restraint may hinge on nuclear deal As tensions between Iran and Israel reach new highs, saving the nuclear deal could be the only path to containing further dangerous escalation in the region. Israel
Israel pushes US to recognize Golan Heights sovereignty Some Israeli senior officials believe the Trump administration might agree to recognize Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights. Israel
