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
The dueling states of Palestine Hamas-organized protests on Land Day and Nakba Day in Gaza appear planned to lead to bloodshed, while in the West Bank, the PLO is planning on recognizing a Palestinian state. Palestine
The topsy-turvy world of Jewish-Arab relations Despite evidence of a serious deterioration in relations between Jews and Arabs in Israel, one researcher contends that Israeli Arabs continue to show a strong link to a Jewish and democratic Israel. Palestine
Casualties continue to mount in Syria's eastern Ghouta The situation in the besieged eastern Ghouta area continues to deteriorate with shortages of medical supplies, the regime shelling on medical facilities and use of low concentration doses of chlorine. Syria
Erdogan menaces Afrin as YPG digs in As Turkish troops head for Afrin, will Turkey commit to the next-level battle it will face there if the People's Protection Units stay and fight? Syria
US risks irrelevance in Syria with reconstruction taboos The West’s warranted aversion to helping the Assad regime carries risks for the entire region. Syria
Turkey poised to open a military front in Iraq Improved relations between Iraq and Turkey have raised the possibility of a joint offensive against Kurdish militants in northern Iraq. Iraq
Iraqi Kurdistan’s not so friendly skies opening again soon Baghdad to formally take charge of Kurdistan Region airports and borders; shift in Syria strategy by Moscow may follow Russian presidential election; Jordan’s king and Turkish president find common ground. Iraq
Saudi crown prince comes to Washington Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is coming to Washington to shore up support at a time when the situation at home and in the United States is more complicated than ever. Saudi Arabia
Israeli security forces posing as journalists endanger press An Israeli commando accused of impersonating Israeli journalists to arrest a student on a university campus could make reporters' jobs harder and more dangerous on both sides of the conflict. Palestine
Thousands forced from Libyan town stopped just short of home Despite an agreement for the return of some 600 families to their hometown of Tawergha after seven years of displacement, delays have left them in yet another makeshift camp just miles from home. Libya
US still pouring weapons into Yemen war The United States sold Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates more than $650 million in weapons last year for their war against the Houthis, according to a new report. Saudi Arabia
Slew of anti-Palestinian bills points to impending Israeli elections The numerous anti-Palestinian bills pushed forward by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition are signs that the right is preparing for early elections. Palestine
