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
Who sent Iranian Green Berets to Syria? For the first time since Iran’s 1980-88 war with Iraq, the Iranian army is conducting foreign military operations. But who sent its Green Berets to Syria? Syria
Is the PA coordinating arrests with Israel? In light of the climaxing uprising, some claim the Palestinian Authority's security services are coordinating arrests, so that after a Palestinian suspect is released by the PA he is shortly thereafter detained by Israel. Palestine
Landmines hinder return of displaced to Iraq's Ramadi Although efforts are underway to clear Ramadi from landmines, the displaced cannot return to their cities given the risks they could be facing. Iraq
Libyan government, parliament enter into standoff Libya's Government of National Accord is yet to get a vote of confidence by the House of Representatives. Libya
Why some Palestinians aren't optimistic about Israel's decision to ease residency restrictions Israel issued a decision allowing some Palestinians living in Jerusalem and the West Bank to reunite with their families in Israeli cities, but security concerns may undermine it. Palestine
Why France isn’t inviting Israel, Palestine to peace process conference As a first step to relaunch a two-state solution process, France will convene at the end of May a conference of stakeholders, without the Israelis or the Palestinians. Palestine
How one Gaza crossing went from death trap to gate of hope A decade ago, crossing from Gaza at the Erez checkpoint was a nightmare, but now under Defense Ministry management the once-dangerous crossing offers a model of order and security for West Bank facilities. Palestine
Trump meets the DC foreign policy establishment Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump rolls out his "America First" foreign policy speech, leaving many unanswered questions about his plans to secure the United States and stabilize the world's trouble spots. Iraq
Obama, Congress hurtle toward showdown over Israel missile defense Lawmakers are feeling a lot more generous than the Obama administration when it comes to Israel's safety. Israel
Egyptian MP says forcing Sinai residents to move will only worsen terrorism In an interview with Al-Monitor, Egyptian parliamentarian Salama Al-Roqie expressed concern that the displacement of Sinai citizens suggested by some lawmakers will worsen the spread of terrorism and that the Sinai tribes are vital in supporting the armed forces in the war against extremists. Egypt
Khamenei says US pushing 'Iranphobia' to block foreign investment Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei criticized the United States for removing the sanctions on paper but in effect scaring large banks from doing business with Iran. Iran
Bashar basking in Baath Party victory The Syrian parliamentary elections organized by President Bashar al-Assad's regime consecrated the Baath Party's domination and led some critics to say Assad isn't interested in a political solution to the war there. Syria
