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
Egypt’s Nubians protest for right to return to their lands Nubians in southern Egypt have staged demonstrations and roadblocks in recent days, protesting a government takeover of what they claim to be part of their ancestral homeland. Egypt
Were Israeli ministers the last to learn about Gaza tunnels? According to different sources, Israeli Cabinet ministers did not receive information about the tunnels dug by Hamas in 2014, though the information was gathered by Israeli intelligence and was transferred to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Palestine
Iraq seeks to merge PMU militias under new image Popular Mobilization Units leaders are meeting with Western politicians and diplomats regularly, trying to improve the group's reputation in the West. Iraq
Saudi Arabia contemplates Trump Saudi Arabia is pleased with strong talk from US President-elect Donald Trump, but also has worries about his positions on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and on recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Saudi Arabia
Russia adjusts Syria plan as Obama’s term nears end Russia is trying to figure out all the Middle East scenarios that might affect it under a Donald Trump presidency. Syria
Help wanted: Turkey advertises for special forces Running short of personnel because of massive purges, Turkey's armed forces are trying to fill the void using civilians. Turkey
Who will take charge in Raqqa after it's freed from IS? The Syrian Democratic Forces are making progress in northern Raqqa, cutting the supply lines of the Islamic State. Syria
Israeli 3G SIM cards all the rage in Gaza SIM cards allowing 3G service on Israeli telecommunications networks are being smuggled into Gaza and snapped up quickly by young Palestinians. Palestine
How Israel is bypassing the PA Israeli Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories Gen. Yoav Mordechai launched a Facebook page that seems to assist the Palestinians with their daily struggles, but some Palestinians have accused it of having other goals. Palestine
Will submarine deal sink Netanyahu's ship? A scandal over a submarine deal has focused the public's attention and that of Israel's attorney general on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s relations with two of his lawyers. Israel
Would Trump back Turkish military escalation in Iraq, Syria? Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan weighs risks and benefits of military interventions as Donald Trump transition signals possible Turkish tilt; Will Iraq's Baathists return after liberation of Mosul? Iraq
How Russia views Turkey’s role in Syria To Russia, tumultuous Turkey is a work in progress on a journey of self-discovery. Turkey
