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
Israel's controversial settlement bill provokes Palestinian blitz Palestinians believe that the Israeli regularization bill, designed to authorize settlements built on Palestinian lands, serves as a "smoking gun," proving that Israel is not interested in negotiations. Palestine
How a pet monkey upset Libya's fragile tribal relations A pet monkey caused a violent clash between two of Libya's main tribes and former allies, reflecting the fragile relations between clans that could be detrimental to the country's future. Libya
New documentary on Egyptian conscription faces strong criticism An Al Jazeera documentary about Egypt’s military conscription was broadcast to a wave of protests from officials in Cairo. Egypt
Where do Kurds fit in Syria conflict? The future of the Syrian Kurds hinges on the policies of US President-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin toward Turkey. Syria
Iran hawks lay out their wish list for Trump era Outright repeal is out, sanctions and military pushback are in. United States
Hifter in Moscow: Russia’s shifting interests in Libya Russia’s interest in Libya evolves as Gen. Khalifa Hifter transforms from a strongman for the army into a politician. Libya
Turkey's shredded Syria policy The fall of Aleppo to Syrian government forces has Ankara recalibrating its options in Syria. Syria
What's brewing between the Kurds, Syrian regime? The unpredictable winds of war will determine whether the Kurds ever realize their dream of self-government in Syria. Syria
Is Egypt considering military intervention in Syria? Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has announced his support for the Syrian army, while the media have reported that Egypt has elite forces on Syrian soil. Egypt
Is Iraqi government censoring media's military coverage? The Iraqi government is keeping an eye on media outlets and humanitarian organizations covering the battle of Mosul in order to prevent them from publishing false reports. Iraq
What Iran's presidential election means for Russia As Russia’s and Iran’s foreign policies become congruent, Russia looks to Iran’s 2017 elections for clues into their future relationship. Russia
What's at stake in Syria Al-Bab is the current focal point of complicated, interwoven developments unfolding in northern Syria. Syria
