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
Turkey squawks as KRG referendum nears As regional and US pressure ramps up on Iraqi Kurds to postpone the independence referendum, Iraqi Kurdistan President Massoud Barzani seems unlikely to crack. Iraq
Kurds plan ahead for shifting status in Syria Syrian Kurds, worried by Turkey’s threat to enter Afrin and a possible rapprochement between Washington and Ankara, are firming up their plans for autonomy. Syria
After Mosul, Iraq's western Anbar next up in IS fight An Iraqi offensive against the Islamic State is likely to take place in the near future in the western Anbar province, with the city of Haditha being the gateway to the region. Iraq
Critics challenge validity of Egypt's anti-terror council Culture now has a place on Egypt's National Council to Fight Terrorism, but does it have a real purpose there? Egypt
Turkey faces Kurdish quandary in Iraq, Syria Ankara is finding it difficult to devise a holistic approach to the region’s Kurdish question. Syria
Turkish, Iranian brass meet in Ankara Iran and Turkey's top military leaders are beginning three days of meetings today in Ankara, and coverage so far suggests the two rivals are feeling marginalized and eager to work together to promote their shared interests. Turkey
Saudi suppression of Shiites threatens Canadian arms deal If Canada cancels a lucrative arms deal with Saudi Arabia over the use of Canadian-sold arms against civilians, it could affect Riyadh's ability to purchase US and UK arms as well. Saudi Arabia
Armed disputes reveal Iraqi Christians' discord Run-ins between Christian factions' armed units in Iraq expose growing gaps in the parties' visions for their future. Iraq
Israel pushes security ties while Cairo, Amman embassies sit empty Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seems to care little about Israel’s diplomatic ties with Egypt and Jordan so long as security ties are maintained. Palestine
Beheading of IRGC fighter unites Iranians Iranians across the country and political spectrum have reacted to the death of Mohsen Hojjaji, an IRGC fighter who was beheaded by the Islamic State, with calls for revenge. Iran
Netanyahu pushes law making it easier to declare war A law Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to advance would allow the security Cabinet to declare war without approval of the entire government. Israel
South Yemen leader vows to continue fight against 'rebels' in north After his return from a tour that included Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt, Aidarous al-Zubaidi, the head of Yemen's South Transitional Council, talks to Al-Monitor about pressing local and regional issues. Legacy: Gulf
