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
French armed forces minister visits Iraq following turnover of US base French Defense Minister Florence Parly's visit coincides with discussions between Iraq and the United States on the future of American troops in the country; France is a part of the US-led anti-IS coalition in Iraq. Iraq
Harris says Biden presidency will not condition aid to Israel The Democrats' vice presidential pick, Sen. Kamala Harris, sought to distance the Biden campaign from emerging party criticism of Israel in recent years. Israel
Libya's Tripoli authorities mandate 24-hour curfew to stem protests A round-the-clock lockdown underway in Libya follows days of anti-government protests in the capital city. Libya
Turkey’s tilt toward Pakistan provokes India’s ire An Indian intelligence reports sees Turkey as becoming a hub for anti-India activities second only to Pakistan. Turkey
Turkey plans new naval drills in eastern Mediterranean The Turkish navy will hold live-fire exercises in the eastern Mediterranean next week amid rising tensions with Greece. Turkey
How much does Erdogan’s 'coercive diplomacy' benefit Turkey? If mishandled, Turkey’s threats of military action could trigger an uncontrolled escalation, leaving Ankara facing difficult choices. Turkey
Who is benefiting from Russian-Turkish patrols in northwest Syria? Many in Syria’s northwestern province of Idlib see no benefits to the joint Russian-Turkish patrols conducted under a demilitarization deal, as the Syrian regime sporadically attacks the area and managed to take several areas since the deal was reached in September 2018. Syria
UN convoy hit by explosion in northern Iraq The convoy was being operated by the World Food Program. Iraq
US troops injured after encounter with Russian vehicle in Syria The US called the incident with Russia in northeast Syria a "breach of deconfliction protocols." Syria
Iran agrees on UN inspector access to suspected ex-nuclear sites The International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran said in a joint statement that inspectors will have access to two suspected former nuclear sites. United States
Palestinian man arrested for allegedly helping Irish nationalist group The man's lawyer said the accused doctor from the West Bank is involved in peaceful activism and was entrapped by British intelligence. Palestine
Turkish airstrikes rile Iraqi street Turkey's continuing airstrikes and other military aggression in northern Iraq are increasing tensions and expanding instability in the region. Iraq
