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
Reformists keep distance from unrest on streets of Iran Reformists are keeping their distance from what is unfolding on the streets of Iran, reacting differently than they did during the protests following the disputed 2009 presidential elections. Iran
Israeli arrests of Palestinian children rise after Trump’s Jerusalem announcement One month after the United States announced its recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, the arrest of Palestinian children by Israeli police has risen. Palestine
Israel ignores Iran’s support of Arab Peace Initiative Israel keeps silent while Iranian President Hassan Rouhani signs onto the resolution of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation supporting Israeli-Palestinian peace based on a two-state solution. Israel
One year later, Aleppo's residents still mourn destroyed city Although the battle for Aleppo ended a year ago, some former residents can't bear to return to the destroyed city, while journalists fear arrest. Syria
Egypt's new health insurance law to give Sisi pre-election boost Egypt's parliament passed a comprehensive health insurance law in early December, but many doubt it will lead to better health services. Egypt
House parties the New Year's vogue in Turkey Facing increasing public scrutiny about celebrating New Year’s Eve, a lot of Turks find comfort in professionally organized house parties catering to all budgets and tastes. Turkey
Iraqi forces hunt down IS remnants in Hamrin Mountains After the declaration of victory against the Islamic State, Iraqi security forces are still hunting small groups of IS fighters in the remote areas. Iraq
Istanbul wary as New Year's approaches Some Turks have complained about the ramped up security around New Year's Eve, but the authorities have every reason to go into prevention overdrive after last year's nightclub massacre. Turkey
Liberman, politics and the death penalty With Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu facing possible criminal indictment, Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman has introduced legislation allowing the death penalty for terrorism convictions to strengthen his own political standing in case of elections. Palestine
What does Gulf crisis have to do with Tunisian women? Banning Tunisian women from flying on Emirates airline may have more to do with UAE geopolitics than possible terror threats. Saudi Arabia
Israel adapts to changing strategic reality in Mideast The Israel Defense Forces believe that excellent intelligence capabilities will determine the fate of Israel’s next war. Israel
More than a year on, Hirak protesters remain behind bars in Morocco Despite the announcement of a development project in the marginalized Rif region in Morocco, authorities are still detaining and prosecuting hundreds of protesters who took part in demonstrations demanding economic and social justice. Morocco
