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 the EU really ready to commit to Turkey? Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is feeling his oats as he renegotiates his deal with the European Union. Syria
The rise of Islamic State sleeper cells in Baghdad After the recent attacks by the Islamic State around Baghdad, Iraqi security forces are struggling to track down IS cells in the Iraqi capital's outskirts. Iraq
Egyptian government accuses Hamas of killing attorney general The Egyptian interior minister made a shocking announcement by accusing Hamas of assassinating prosecutor Hisham Barakat back in the summer of 2015, further straining already fragile ties with the movement. Palestine
How far will the Saudis go against Hezbollah? With Saudi Arabia labeling Hezbollah a terrorist organization, a decision that was endorsed by the GCC, the kingdom hopes to legally pursue the Lebanese movement in international forums. Legacy: Gulf
Will Congress pick Qatar over Israel? To the chagrin of Israel, lawmakers of both parties want the Obama administration to go through with jet sales to Gulf countries. Legacy: Gulf
Have Israeli-Arab parties sided with Hezbollah? Israeli Arab parties Balad and Hadash condemned the decision by the GCC to label Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, which leaves many Israelis puzzled by this decision. Israel
Will there be peace in Yemen? Signs point to Saudi Arabia wanting out of its war in Yemen as Oman-mediated talks open with the Shiite Houthi rebels. Saudi Arabia
Turkish military struggles to find new recruits The Turkish Armed Forces has to overcome serious structural problems, including inadequate recruitment, before switching from a conscription-based military to a fully professional force. Turkey
How a new website is helping Lebanese women avoid sexual harassment Activists in Lebanon have launched a new website to help women confronted by sexual harassment and bring discussion of it into the public sphere. Lebanon
Why some Shiites are refusing to join fight against Islamic State Shiite fighters will not participate in the upcoming Mosul battles, as they feel the sacrifices they have made so far are not appreciated by the Sunnis. Iraq
Will next round of Geneva talks determine Assad's fate? The upcoming Geneva talks are once again under the spotlight as Syria approaches the end of the cease-fire. Syria
Hamas drags feet on choosing between Iran, Saudi Arabia Since the Gulf Cooperation Council decided to label Hezbollah a terrorist organization, Hamas has remained silent and refrained from taking sides so as not to endanger its regional relations. Saudi Arabia
