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
Iraq's 'Awakening' vets cautious about post-IS period Iraq's Sunni tribal fighters fear they will be isolated from Iraqi society after the elimination of the Islamic State. Iraq
On 6th anniversary of Syrian war, education remains a casualty In an interview with Al-Monitor, the minister of education of Syria’s opposition interim government, Imad Barq, spoke about the state of schools and education in the country and specifically in opposition-held areas. Syria
The real reason behind thaw in EU-Egypt tensions Throughout 2016, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi hosted high-level delegations from at least 17 European states including Germany, France and Britain, reflecting a notable improvement in Egyptian-European relations. Egypt
Talk of deploying international troops divides Palestinians Recent talk of a suggestion to deploy international troops in the Palestinian territories has sparked angry reactions from many in the Gaza Strip, although some in the Palestinian Authority support the idea. Palestine
Turkey shuts down Mercy Corps' Syria aid program International aid delivery to Syria experienced a setback March 7, when the Turkish government ordered the Syria program run by Mercy Corps from inside Turkey to close down, leaving thousands without assistance. Syria
Why Iraq’s law on Popular Mobilization Units isn't all that popular A law outlining the future of the Popular Mobilization Units in Iraq was passed months ago but has yet to be enacted as opposing forces continue their debates. Iraq
Why is IS targeting Copts in Sinai? In a change of strategy in the area, Wilayat Sinai, the Islamic State affiliate in Egypt, has stepped up its attacks against Coptic Christians in the Sinai Peninsula, specifically in el-Arish. Egypt
Are pro-Erdogan groups buying arms to prep for potential coup? A relative of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has set up a group called the "Stay as Brothers, Turkey” against a possible new coup attempt. Turkey
Turkey, US, Russia military chiefs meet to discuss anti-IS strategy Turkey, Russia and the United States met today in Antalya, Turkey, in an attempt to find common ground in the battle against the Islamic State in Syria, but they disagree in regard to which groups in the Syrian war are terrorists. Syria
Is spotlight on Trump’s Russia ties slowing US-Russia cooperation in Syria? Intense scrutiny and investigations of possible ties between Trump associates and Russia may complicate prospects for US-Russian cooperation in the fight against IS and in Syria. It may happen anyway. Syria
What is happening in the Turkish military? A Hurriyet article suggesting ongoing rumblings in the military appear to have been borne out by the official responses to it. Turkey
Burning oil wells no match for soccer-loving Iraqis Soccer players from Team Asoosa, in Qayyarah, are rejoicing in reuniting and being able to again play the game they love after their town's liberation from the Islamic State. Iraq
