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 looms large as Congress casts Yemen war vote The Senate voted on US support for the Saudi-led war against the Houthis for the first time since the war began three years ago. Saudi Arabia
Iran, Saudi Arabia in war of words over allegations of aiding al-Qaeda Iranian officials have once again strongly dismissed Saudi charges that Tehran is aiding al-Qaeda. Saudi Arabia
Turkey demands 'respect' after taking Syria’s Afrin from Kurdish militia Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on the United States to support its NATO partner as it prepares to expand military operations against the Syrian Kurdish People’s Protection Units. Syria
The story behind Israel's secret strike on Syria's nuclear reactor Israel for the first time acknowledges how nearly a decade ago it located and destroyed a Syrian nuclear reactor built with the assistance of North Korea. Israel
Syria situation still complex as negotiations go on — and on Despite negotiations in Geneva and Egypt, and eight rounds of peace talks in Astana, Kazakhstan, the Syrian war entered its eighth year this month. Syria
Erdogan impatient to charge ahead in Syria as Ankara sizes up Pompeo The US president's choice for his new secretary of state comes at an inconvenient time for Erdogan’s plans to capitalize on Turkey’s victory over the US-allied Syrian Kurdish militia in Afrin. Syria
Cairo calls on Egyptian expats for water advice The Egyptian government hosted a conference in Luxor and invited Egyptian experts living abroad to take part in helping address issues related to the country's water insecurity. Egypt
Lebanese army appeals for international assistance The Lebanese Armed Forces are appealing for financial support from international donors to fight extremist groups in the country. Lebanon
Erdogan vows to carry fight beyond Afrin Turkish troops and Turkey-backed forces took control of the Syrian city after the Kurdish militia in power there withdrew and are now eyeing what Turkey's president calls a “terrorist corridor” along its border. Syria
Why Israel is in no rush to destroy Hamas tunnels The IDF hopes that by destroying Hamas tunnels gradually and not all at once it can avoid a full-out confrontation. Palestine
Israel prepares for 'May Madness' Israeli sources believe President Donald Trump will abandon the Iranian nuclear deal in May and are analyzing the possible outcomes of a number of other events anticipated that month. Palestine
Pompeo pick pleases Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates officials see a shift at the US State Department in their favor, but are unlikely to see all their hopes realized under Mike Pompeo. Legacy: Gulf
