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
All official Syrian-Lebanon border crossings now open The border area has been deemed secure enough for the Lebanese and Syrian governments to reopen the last of the five border crossings between the two countries. Lebanon
Christmas trees in Aleppo? A new roof in Bethlehem, a desecrated altar in Diyarbakir, Christmas trees in Aleppo and an appreciation of “fellow travelers” in faith. Palestine
Algeria takes independent approach to Qatar crisis A recent meeting between Qatar's foreign minister and Algeria's prime minister highlights Algiers' unique strategy in the wake of the GCC-Qatar rift. Saudi Arabia
Iraqi Christians return after IS amid safety concerns A year after their liberation from IS, Christian towns in Iraq are populated once again by their original inhabitants, but many remain wary about returning home. Iraq
Pentagon surges weapons into Middle East terror fight The Pentagon is using a little-known fund to give a boost to counterterrorism operations throughout the Middle East. Jordan
Russia finds neutral zones in Syria essential but tricky Moscow hopes to focus soon on rebuilding Syria's shattered infrastructure, but first must help restore stability, which could prove much more difficult. Syria
Turkey's 'war machine' goes global The ambitious Turkish gendarmerie command is seeking to form a cooperative agency with countries in and around Central Asia as part of its increased involvement in Turkey's foreign policy. Turkey
Kurdistan protests more unrest than uprising Parts of Iraqi Kurdistan are witnessing turmoil as people living primarily around Sulaimaniyah are demonstrating against the Kurdistan Regional Government, but what's behind the turbulence? Iraqi-Kurdistan
Why Hamas is offering Abbas Gaza on a silver platter Hamas' leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, admits that the movement has failed at managing the Gaza Strip. Palestine
Ready or not, Libya to hold elections in spring Libya is set to hold elections in the spring of 2018, although political and security instability bode ill for the process. Libya
Rival governments in northern Syria are at it again Two rival local governments affiliated with the opposition in Idlib province are vying for influence and power, which could further escalate tensions between them. Syria
Syrian opposition skeptical of Russian troop pullout While some opposition factions hope Russia's reported military withdrawal from Syria will encourage a political solution, others fear Iran and regime forces will exploit the vacuum. Syria
