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
Police officers become victims of torture in Turkey The families of several Turkish police officers, rounded up as part of the crackdown on the Gulen community, have sought help from human rights activists in a rare example of willingness to speak out on torture allegations that have been rife since the coup attempt last year. Turkey
Iraq's Hatra retaken from IS militants, but still vulnerable The liberation of the ancient city of Hatra from the Islamic State is only a small first step toward protecting its ancient treasures. Iraq
US may waive Iran sanctions in coming days The Trump administration could issue waivers of some Iran nuclear sanctions the week of May 15 as it adheres to the nuclear deal for now while conducting a review of its Iran policy. United States
Setting low bar for Trump-Erdogan meeting With US-Turkey relations in crisis, the meeting of the US and Turkish presidents will be about appearances over substance; Saudis will press Trump on Iran; storm clouds over Sinjar; Hamas clamps down on journalists. Saudi Arabia
Will US-Kurdish deal force Turkey back to PKK negotiation table? As Turkey's conflict with the PKK drags on and the United States has made obvious its support for Syria's Kurds, now would be an opportune time to restart negotiations with the PKK. Syria
Are Hezbollah, Israel heading for a third war? As talk of a third war breaking out between Lebanon's Hezbollah and Israel is increasing, some analysts say it is highly unlikely given the costs both sides would have to bear. Israel
What Saudi leaders expect from Trump’s visit Saudi officials see an opportunity to gain influence in the Middle East when US President Donald Trump visits their country later this week. Saudi Arabia
Southern front lines stalled for weeks in west Mosul Car bomb attacks have diminished as Iraqi forces are narrowing in on the remaining areas under Islamic State control in the city, but suicide bombers and snipers continue to claim victims among Iraqi forces holding defensive positions. Iraq
US continues buildup of Iraqi Kurdish forces The United States is supporting the Kurdistan Region by developing its military forces, but the support is a balancing act with Baghdad as they oppose building an independent Kurdish army. Iraq
Congress OK with Saudi missile defense sale amid warming Israel-Gulf ties Israel seems fine with Saudi Arabia getting an anti-ballistic missile system, as does Capitol Hill. Saudi Arabia
Can US calm Turkish nerves over arming Syrian Kurds? The United States seems aware of Turkish sensitivities, but the Americans can't guarantee the arms given to Syrian Kurdish forces won't ultimately fall into hands hostile to Turkey. Syria
Iraqis point fingers over spurt of kidnappings Sunni and Shiite officials trade accusations over recent forced disappearances of Iraqi civilians, which has fueled more sectarian strife in the country. Iraq
