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
Battle lines shift in northern Syria Eyes are focused on the Syrian-Turkish border after the FSA factions and Syrian Democratic Forces launched their offensives, which points at an imminent final and decisive offensive against IS. Syria
Who is to blame for Beirut’s airport security gap? The Lebanese government rift and lack of a clear and effective policy for dealing with security gaps at the Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut may lead international and Arab airlines to suspend their flights to Lebanon. Lebanon
When is a terrorist a terrorist? The Israeli public and its leaders are trapped in their thinking about who is a terrorist, and that bodes ill for peace. Palestine
Will Congress rein in US support for Syrian Kurds? Turkey's concerns are starting to gain traction on Capitol Hill. Syria
Fragile Syria cease-fire under strain The United States and Russia are trying to salvage an increasingly fragile Syria cease-fire. Syria
Former Iran negotiator says he would not have signed nuclear deal As obstacles from the remaining US sanctions continue to impede European business with Iran, domestic critics have argued the nuclear deal has had no benefits. Iran
Turkey plays both sides in Iran, Saudi conflict Does Turkey courting Iran and Saudi Arabia simultaneously mean Ankara is moving away from Sunni-based policies? Saudi Arabia
Keeping the Islamic State in check in Libya The international community hopes the new Libya government can bring together militias in an coordinated effort against Islamic State fighters. Iraq
Why the PKK is so interested in Mosul The PKK is looking to join the Iraqi army and the Kurdistan Regional Government to liberate Mosul. Iraq
US, UN welcome Yemen cease-fire US officials welcomed a Yemen truce that went into effect April 11 after quiet Saudi-Houthi negotiations had already reduced violence in the year-old conflict, and urged the parties to find a political resolution at April 18 peace talks in Kuwait. Saudi Arabia
Kerry’s comments on Iranian missiles strike nerve in Tehran Iranian officials have rejected Secretary of State John Kerry’s suggestion of a “new arrangement” with Iran over issues such as their missile program. Congress
Why some in Western Sahara oppose $1 million US grant The Obama administration is planning to approve a $1 million grant for civil society organizations in Western Sahara, but many Sahrawis have concerns about the move. Algeria
