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
Is an 'Arab NATO' in the works? Reports claim that the US administration is currently discussing the formation of a joint Arab force with Arab countries, an idea Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi had suggested before. Legacy: Gulf
Can international force save Gaza? With the deterioration of living conditions in the Gaza Strip, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must seriously consider the idea of having an international force control Gaza’s land and sea borders. Palestine
How deep is Turkey's Sinjar entanglement? Soon after speaking with Turkey's president, Kurdistan Regional Government leader Massoud Barzani dispatched peshmerga forces to Sinjar, Iraq, which led to a clash between Kurdish forces. Iraq
Following Abbas visit, cautious calm prevails in Lebanon's Ain al-Hilweh camp Armed clashes flared up in Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp as Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas visited Lebanon, making the discussion of the security issue a top priority. Palestine
How are displaced Iraqis faring in Syria’s camps? Hundreds of Turkmen families from Tal Afar, in northwestern Iraq, have headed for the Syrian opposition areas in Aleppo’s countryside. Iraq
Will massive trench keep Iraqi holy cities safe from terror? The holy cities of Najaf and Karbala are digging trenches around the cities to stop terrorists from coming in and launching attacks. Iraq
Is Putin Bibi's new 'bestie'? Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin have developed a surprising rapport and unexpected coordination between their countries on Syria. Palestine
Could Turkey’s misstep in Manbij provide template for Raqqa? Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s latest threat complicates Pentagon planning to oust the Islamic State from its so-called capital; United States provides intelligence for Iraqi strike in Syria. Iraq
What is Russia’s thinking on Libya? In its effort to pursue national security interests in the Middle East, Russia is increasingly involved in the conflict in Libya. Egypt
Turkish government outsources urban security To make up for the security gap in southeastern cities and Istanbul, Turkey has resurrected the historical institution of neighborhood street watchmen. Turkey
Israeli centrist leader speaks, says little The measured response of Yesh Atid Chairman Yair Lapid to the state comptroller’s Gaza war report reflects his ongoing strategy to become Israel's next prime minister. Palestine
Iraqis defiant as extremists threaten to attack Babylon After extremists reportedly threatened to attack the ancient site of Babylon, local Iraqis are swearing to protect both the city's antiquities and its character as a cultural center. Iraq
