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 Jordan Israel’s new best friend? Jordan is boosting its strategic ties with Israel based on their mutual economic interests, while Palestinians sound the alarm against normalization of relations with their enemy. Palestine
Religious minorities find protection, support in southern Iraq While some Iraqi minority populations are suffering persecution by extremists in the northern and western regions, others are enjoying freedom and resources in central and southern Iraq, where the government contributes to building and maintaining their holy places. Iraq
30 years on, fate of Israeli air force officer remains a mystery Three decades after IDF navigator Ron Arad ejected from his jet in Lebanon, Israelis still cannot be sure of his fate and cannot heal from the trauma that left such a deep scar on both the military and civil society. Israel
Erdogan not backing down on Turkish role in Mosul Turkey’s demand seen as challenge to United States and Iran, as well as Iraq; Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan calls Hillary Clinton a "political novice" for remarks on Syrian Kurds; ultranationalist group dominates Turkish security services. Iraq
Health crisis in the making as doctors flee Iraq As a brain drain in the health sector and the war against IS continue, Iraq is facing a health crisis. Iraq
US Treasury official praises Saudi cooperation against terror funding Assistant Treasury Secretary Daniel Glaser says there has been substantial progress reducing funds amassed by the Islamic State, but warns that IS could seek external financing if it loses its "caliphate" in Iraq and Syria. Saudi Arabia
Where does Turkey's Erdogan stand on US presidential race? According to the Turkish president, former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton lacks political experience. Turkey
The Hifter effect on the battle for Libya's Sirte The expected liberation of Sirte in the near future is overshadowed by Khalifa Hifter, the commander of the Libyan National Army, steadily gaining power and territory through the militarization of the governance of much of eastern Libya. Libya
In struggle against PKK, Turkey takes flight The conflict between Turkey and Kurdish militants is becoming more complex and destructive as the Turkish army begins using drones in warfare. Iraq
Militants from Syria's Qudsaya prepare to leave for Idlib The Syrian regime has recently pounded the city of Qudsaya, northwest of Damascus, in a bid to reach another one of its settlements that includes the evacuation of militants from the cities. Syria
Tension rises on Temple Mount during Jewish holy days Israeli security forces fear that the recent shooting attack in Jerusalem signals the beginning of a new wave of violence, especially during this month of Jewish holy days. Palestine
Will Obama push for Yemen cease-fire? The United States, which fired cruise missiles at rebel radar sites in Yemen on Oct. 13 after missiles were fired at a US warship, needs to push for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Yemen before things get even more out of hand. Legacy: Gulf
