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
Dismissed Fatah leader Dahlan says Abbas, Hamas lack 'serious nationalism' Dismissed Fatah leader Mohammed Dahlan discusses the current situation in Palestine, his rift with President Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinian-Israeli negotiations and his aspiration to become president. Palestine
PFLP rejects idea of truce with Israel Kayed al-Ghul, a member of the PFLP’s political bureau, speaks to Al-Monitor about the movement’s goals and efforts to achieve Palestinian unity. Palestine
Besieged Madaya residents face starvation The residents of Madaya in the western countryside of Damascus are suffering from lack of food and medical supplies as a result of the siege imposed by the Syrian regime. Lebanon
Can FSA get back on its feet after Russian intervention? The Free Syrian Army has been demoralized by Russia's involvement in the Syrian civil war, as its influence has tipped the conflict in favor of the regime. Syria
Palestinians fear Turkey will drop condition that Israel lift Gaza siege Turkey has long insisted that Israel lift its siege on the Gaza Strip before Turkish-Israeli relations can be normalized, but a recent warming of ties suggests this may change. Palestine
Why solving Israel-Palestine conflict is still key for regional stability The West-pragmatic Arab coalition against the Islamic State must realize that a viable Israeli-Palestinian diplomatic peace process has to be part of any regional anti-terrorist strategy. Palestine
Palestinian factions rush to denounce Kuntar's assassination Many observers believe Palestinians and Hezbollah both stand to lose more than they would gain if Gaza becomes a scene of retaliation for Samir Kuntar's slaying. Palestine
Are clashes spreading to western Turkey? If pressure on the PKK becomes too intense in the clashes in the southeast, there are signs the group might mobilize its proxies to spread violence to western Turkey. Turkey
Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units warn against 'renewed occupation' by US Iraqi factions, namely the Popular Mobilization Units, reject the presence of US troops on Iraqi soil, as some claim that their presence benefits the Islamic State. Iraq
Palestinians learn the power of a picture Images and videos of the situation in the West Bank and Gaza Strip shot by locals are empowering the Palestinians in their resistance to the Israeli occupation. Palestine
51 years after its founding, where is Fatah heading? The Fatah movement is torn between the moderate forces and those who wish to reignite a violent confrontation with Israel, 51 years after its establishment. Palestine
Why Turkey’s beaches, hard liquor are losing allure among Iranians The deteriorating security situation in eastern Turkey coupled with Ankara's hostile rhetoric toward Iran is decreasing the allure of Turkey's liberal beach resorts among Iranians. Turkey
