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
The story behind the general who will likely shape Libya's future Gen. Khalifa Hifter's speculative role in Libya's future is as captivating as his intriguing past. Libya
How Cairo was able to stop April 25 protests Although mass protests had been planned following Egyptian popular anger at an agreement to cede the Red Sea islands of Tiran and Sanafir to Saudi Arabia, efforts by the security forces seem to have thwarted major demonstrations. Egypt
What’s left of Turkish democracy? Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan continues his assault on the media while accusing political opponents of abetting terrorists. Syria
How Russia sees Kurdish quest for autonomy Russia is carefully crafting its policies regarding Kurds, seeking to take a leadership role in the Syrian situation without actually offending anyone. Iraq
Why Egypt's ministries are on the move Egypt is moving several state institutions out of downtown Cairo in what some say is a way to avoid the protests that have long centered in the area. Egypt
Is Washington enabling despotism in Turkey? Washington's muted response to growing authoritarianism in Turkey under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is spurring accusations that it is empowering him. Turkey
Syria’s women prisoners face suffering even after release After their brutal experience in regime detention, freed female detainees are rejected by their society. Syria
Why the PA is distancing itself from BDS movement Israel must understand that the marginal BDS movement is not its main strategic threat — the occupation is. Palestine
How Israel avoided another escalation with Hamas Israel and Hamas agreed, yet again, to hold fire; yet the misery of Gaza residents will continue as long as the blockade continues. Palestine
Why Turkey is finally getting serious about the Islamic State The Islamic State seems determined to open a front in Turkey, militarizing its operations there and forcing Ankara to respond in kind. Syria
Rouhani moves to slash IRGC budget, empower army The Rouhani administration has moved to cut spending for the IRGC while increasing funding for the army, but not without a backlash. Regional
After Madaya, Deir ez-Zor now faces humanitarian catastrophe The starving citizens of Deir ez-Zor in eastern Syria are trapped in the battle between the Islamic State and government forces, squeezed by blockades imposed by both sides. Syria
