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
Can Russia return to Iranian arms market following end of weapons embargo? With the end of the UN arms embargo, Iran could be looking to purchase new additions to its defense system — could Russia become a main supplier again? Saudi Arabia
Israel will not oppose US sale of 'certain weapon systems' to United Arab Emirates The announcement likely refers to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. United Arab Emirates
Libya's rival parties sign 'permanent' nationwide cease-fire The Government of National Accord and Libyan National Army agreed to the truce during UN-sponsored talks in Geneva. Libya
Israel bombs Gaza after sustaining rocket fire Israel frequently clashes with Hamas and other groups in Gaza, and the two last agreed to a cease-fire in September. Palestine
Intel: US drone strike kills at least 10 at al-Qaeda meeting in Idlib Some of the dead were reportedly rivals of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Syria
US Embassy in Turkey warns of terror threat against Americans The statement urged US citizens to avoid crowds and keep a low profile in areas frequented by foreigners. Turkey
Cracks in Turkish-Russian ties begin to show Mistrust instead of the spirit of mutually beneficial political cooperation is guiding current relations between Ankara and Moscow. Turkey
Israeli technology exposes Gaza attack tunnel, challenges Hamas The Israel Defense Forces know that the uncovering of a large Hamas terror tunnel does not mean that group would abandon its efforts to attack Israel. Palestine
Turkey blasts Greece, Cyprus, Egypt for 'baseless' Mediterranean accusations The three countries accused Turkey of threatening regional stability with its renewed exploratory mission in the contested waters. Turkey
Turkey’s withdrawal in Idlib may be omen of war Turkey’s decision to evacuate military posts in regime-held areas in Idlib is hardly reassuring when considered against the backdrop of its continued military buildup elsewhere in the region. Syria
Why women in Egypt continue to face violence The killing of a young woman during a robbery in the streets of Cairo has raised the ire of activists, who continue to call for legislation to protect women against violence. Egypt
Can Russia benefit from Turkey-Greece spat? In light of the conflict in the eastern Mediterranean between Turkey and Greece, Russia may be looking to strengthen its ties with Greece in order to further its interests in the region. Russia
