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
Iran: Netanyahu's claims 'childish' attempt to influence Trump Iranian officials reacted to Israeli allegations about Tehran’s nuclear program, warning Israel against “conspiracies” against Iran and “dangerous behavior.” Israel
Trump, Netanyahu stand firm against Europe on Iran deal Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is encouraged by more and more hints that President Donald Trump will nix the Iranian nuclear agreement. Israel
Will Russia provide the 'new Kissinger' for Iran-Israel diplomacy? Moscow works back channels between Tehran and Jerusalem; hard-line Saudi stance toward Iran adheres to Wahhabi line favored by conservative clerics. Saudi Arabia
Russia acting as buffer between Israel, Iran Moscow is being called on to deliver on its promised role as Mideast mediator. Israel
Turkey still working to get Altay tanks rolling After 12 years, things are finally falling into place for Turkey's indigenous Altay tank, but it can't get far without an engine. Turkey
Will Abbas meet with Pompeo? The current assessment among Palestinian officials is that they should not turn down the American offer to meet with Mike Pompeo, the new secretary of state. Palestine
Economic disobedience looms in Gaza Gaza’s private sector is threatening to start acts of economic disobedience in a bid to pressure the Palestinian Authority and Israel into alleviating the economic crisis plaguing the enclave. Palestine
Iraq’s Shiite militias hope battlefield wins can secure electoral victory An electoral coalition formed by some pro-Iranian Shiite Popular Mobilization Units is confident it can secure enough seats in parliament to form a majority and claim the premiership. Iraq
Iraq targets terrorism financing with blacklist Iraq has gained international support for its efforts to cut terror funding sources as it gathers data on companies and individuals for inclusion in the UN's sanctions list. Iraq
Egypt enraged at Netanyahu over Gaza Egypt blames Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for sparking the latest escalation on the Gaza border by sabotaging Palestinian reconciliation efforts. Palestine
Egypt's extended state of emergency raises eyebrows, questions Experts examine whether Egypt's repeated renewal of a state of emergency is legal, or even necessary. Egypt
Trump emerges from Macron meeting ready to take on Iran in Syria The French president appears to have convinced his host to confront Iran in Syria. Syria
