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
Tensions flare between IDF, UN peacekeepers in Lebanon With Hezbollah turning into a real army, with strong attack capabilities, Israel starts building a defense wall on its northern border. Israel
Turkey's real target on way to Idlib: Kurds Turkey wants to be part of the de-escalation process in Syria, especially if that means it can multitask and wipe out the Kurdish corridor at the same time. Syria
Rights advocates question Egypt’s decision to extend state of emergency Critics of the Egyptian government fear that a three-month extension of the state of emergency will be used to crack down on them. Egypt
Iran draws line in the sand in Syrian desert Iran stakes claim in eastern Syria; Saudi move against Hamas; Qatar risks confrontation in the Gaza Strip. Saudi Arabia
Iraq outlines plans to rebuild country, inspire tolerance Iraqi officials say they are ready to reconstruct the country and heal the populace devastated by the Islamic State. Iraq
Palestinians wary of talk Gaza may be declared 'rebel district' The poor living conditions and security situation of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip could further deteriorate if Palesinian President Mahmoud Abbas declares Gaza a "rebel district." Palestine
IS loses ground in Sinai, searches for other foothold in Egypt The Islamic State has carried out several terrorist attacks against Copts in different Egyptian governorates, raising questions about anti-terrorism laws and the efficiency of the security services. Egypt
Syrian refugees in Turkey return home for holidays As Eid al-Fitr approaches, marking the end of Ramadan, Turkish authorities opened two border crossings with Syria so refugees can visit their homeland. Syria
Israeli defense minister accuses Abbas of pushing Israel-Hamas war To destroy Hamas rule, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas pushes it into a confrontation with Israel. Palestine
Ankara sends reinforcements into northern Syria Turkish troops have entered northern Syria, sparking fears of a coalition-undermining attack on Syrian Kurdish forces. Syria
Israel's police chief sidelining democratic values The Israel Police under the leadership of Chief Roni Alsheich seems to be losing its guiding principles, instead protecting police officers from citizens rather than protecting the citizens and the values of democracy. Israel
The reason Tehran is against referendum on Iraqi Kurdistan Iranian leaders and media have expressed strong opposition to the September referendum on the independence of Iraqi Kurdistan. Israel
