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
Assassinations, kidnappings shake Baghdad Journalists and activists fear being targeted as another wave of protests and violence occur in Iraq. Iraq
Israel, Hezbollah playing war game, but avoid real conflagration Attempting to avoid further escalation with Hezbollah, the Israel Defense Forces are careful to showcase lots of fire and brimstone, but no casualties on either side. Israel
Potential China-Iran pact has major implications for Pakistan As speculation abounds over a leaked draft of an economic and security deal between Iran and China, its potential effects on Pakistan stand out as particularly dramatic. Iran
Trump loosens rules on armed drone exports amid rivalry with China The new US policy will allow the United States to export armed drones after reinterpreting a 35-nation agreement aimed at limiting the proliferation of rocket-based weapons. Business
Turkey untroubled by conflict with Egypt, UAE in Libya Ankara believes a large-scale Egyptian ground operation is highly unlikely in Libya, considering the likely dynamics of power struggles in the skies of Sirte and al-Jufra, between tribes in southern Libya and on air and naval logistical routes between Libya and Turkey. Egypt
Are Sinai attacks linked to Egypt’s plan to intervene in Libya? The Egyptian army thwarted a terrorist attack in the city of Bir al-Abed in the northern Sinai Peninsula, which analysts believe is associated with Egypt’s possible military intervention in neighboring Libya. Egypt
Israel upping alert on tensions with Hezbollah According to the latest reports, Israel has decided to up the level of alert on its borders with Lebanon and Syria; several roads near the borders will be closed for civilian vehicles as of this evening. Israel
Ukraine says black boxes from downed flight in Iran show 'illegal interference' Ukraine's deputy foreign minister made the comments after the black boxes from Flight 752 arrived in France. Iran
Turkey, Russia agree to work for truce in Libya as regional rivalry heats up Despite backing opposing sides, Moscow and Russia have pledged to work toward a cease-fire in the North African country in a conflict that is fueling a complex maze of rivalries across the region. Turkey
Panic downriver as Ethiopia's mega dam hits first-year target Ethiopia's controversial dam on the Nile River has reportedly already met its first-year filling target despite the ongoing disagreements with Egypt and Sudan over its impacts on countries further down the Nile. Egypt
Egypt kills 18 militants in foiled Sinai attack, army says Two Egyptian military personnel died and four were wounded in an operation in the Sinai Peninsula July 21. Egypt
Intel: Trump, MBZ talk ridding Libya of proxy fighters During a phone call Tuesday, the US president and Abu Dhabi’s crown prince discussed diffusing the Libyan crisis as a new battle looms in the strategic city of Sirte. United Arab Emirates
