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
Erdogan's conquest of Africa Turkey hopes that more muscular foreign policy moves in the Gulf and Africa will help neutralize increasing pressure from a Russia-led alliance. Turkey
Who's really taking Christian homes in Iraq? Although the Popular Mobilization Units grouping has been accused of seizing the homes of Baghdad’s Christians, the organization is leading a campaign to recover the properties. Iraq
Why is Israel detaining a clown? Circus artists around the world are protesting the arrest and detention of Palestinian performer Mohammad Abu Sakha. Palestine
After terrorist label, what is GCC's next move against Hezbollah? Iranian officials and media have condemned the decision by the Gulf Cooperation Council to label the Lebanese group Hezbollah a terrorist organization and believe more anti-Hezbollah actions are on the way. Saudi Arabia
Why canceled Arab League summit should worry Israelis Morocco’s decision not to host the Arab League summit has unexpected implications for Israel. Saudi Arabia
House panel decries Islamic State genocide The Foreign Affairs Committee also voted to label Syrian President Bashar al-Assad a war criminal. Iraq
Abadi outgunned in fight to disarm tribes The Iraqi state faces serious obstacles in its efforts to confiscate weapons from the heavily armed populace, which is much more concerned with tribal ties and customs than the rule of law. Iraq
Should Israel celebrate the Iranian elections results? Following Iranian elections, Israeli security experts are divided between those optimistic about changes in the country and those who fear its growing regional hegemony. Israel
Assad miffs opposition, Russians with call for elections After announcement of a cease-fire agreement Feb. 22, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad decreed that legislative elections be held April 13 in contravention of the agreement. Syria
What is stopping the liberation of Mosul? The liberation of Mosul from the Islamic State will be a complicated task for the Iraqi forces, as several players will be involved in the operation. Iraq
If Syria cease-fire fails, what is Plan B? The United States said it was encouraged that the Syrian cessation of hostilities appeared to be holding, with no significant violations reported in the past day, as analysts said Russia was backing the truce because it feared a quagmire and talk of a US "Plan B." Syria
TIMELINE: Key players reflect on US policy in Syria In this interactive timeline, US lawmakers and former administration officials open up about their failure to prevent disaster in Syria. Syria
