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
Did Egyptian intelligence meddle in recent elections? A political activist’s claim that the "For the Love of Egypt" alliance — which won many seats in the latest parliamentary elections — was established under the supervision of the intelligence services has divided Egyptians. Egypt
Why an Abbas departure would be bad for Israel Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prefers a weak Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, but at the same time needs him to stay in power. Palestine
What’s next for the Syrian regime? The Syrian regime forces, with the help of the Russian air force, have managed to take over the strategic town of Salma, thus getting closer to the Syrian-Turkish border. Syria
Turkey breaks new ground in southeast reconstruction Ankara will be entering potentially hazardous territory in its unprecedented plans for reconstruction in the Kurdish southeast. Turkey
Was Beirut airport threat real or political conspiracy? Some say rumors of a potential bombing at the Beirut airport could be designed to pressure Lebanon to agree on a political settlement to elect a president. Lebanon
Senate Democrats use Trump card to block Syrian refugees bill The Senate defeated GOP-backed restrictions on refugee resettlement. Iraq
Khamenei condemns attack on Saudi Embassy Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei calls the attack on the Saudi Embassy "very bad and wrong" and says thanking the United States for releasing Iranian funds would be like thanking a bully. Saudi Arabia
Is the KRG heading for bankruptcy? Iraq’s Kurds warn that unless Washington rides to their financial rescue, they cannot sustain their fight against the Islamic State. Iraq
Don't underestimate Iraqi nationalism The anti-IS campaign in Iraq has deepened sectarian divisions between Sunni, Shiite and Kurdish regions, but despite communal and political fractures, many communities remain loyal to the Iraqi state. Iraq
How long can Saudi Arabia afford Yemen war? The war in Yemen may prove just as dangerously costly for Saudi Arabia, where an economic downturn threatens its political system, as for Yemen, whose economy can only start to be revived when it ends. Saudi Arabia
Can Iraq curb tribal disputes? Tribal conflicts in Iraq are complicating the struggle against the Islamic State, threatening to thin the central government's security capacities. Iraq
How new Israeli settlements will lead to more violence The United States, European Union and Palestinians have condemned an Israeli plan to build a settlement that could be the tipping point toward more violence and terror. Palestine
