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
After shooting down Russian jet, what's next for Turkey? The Syrian army offensive backed by Russia in the region northeast of Latakia and the downing of a Russian Su-24 by Turkey leaves many to wonder which scenario will play out in the coming weeks . Syria
Egypt announces deal to reopen Rafah crossing, but when will it actually open? Despite the fact that opening the Rafah crossing is an urgent humanitarian need for Gaza residents, it remains subject to political considerations associated with the quarreling factions: Hamas and Fatah. Palestine
Is Lebanon preparing to support Russia's intervention in Syria? When Russia asked airlines in Lebanon to change their routes for conducting military drills to ensure air traffic safety, the matter was blown out of proportion to the point that some considered Russia to have violated Lebanon’s sovereignty. Lebanon
8 steps to peaceful two-state solution Israeli-Palestinian-Egyptian-Jordanian security coordination is the key to any unilateral move on Israel's part. Palestine
Rouhani: Jets are not toys to shoot down While the Rouhani administration has urged restraint and emphasized the need to focus on fighting terrorism, Iranian conservatives have condemned Turkey's shooting down of a Russian jet. Syria
Freed Palestinian prisoner: Swap deal with Israel is worthless if it excludes the sick In an interview with Al-Monitor, freed Palestinian prisoner Mohammed Allan talks details about his detention and release, stressing that he would not hesitate for one moment to resume his hunger strike if the Israeli army were to put him under administrative arrest again. Palestine
Erdogan gobbles up power in new Turkish government Turkey’s recently announced cabinet is stacked with loyal allies of the president, making it clear that this is the "government of Erdogan." Syria
Who are 'Allah's lions'? A mysterious security force has taken the lead in operations in Turkey’s Kurdish areas, raising alarm with its heavy-handed methods and seemingly religious motivation. Turkey
Chest-thumping pundits relish 'messing with Putin' Jubilant reactions by pro-AKP pundits to Turkey downing a Russian jet were tempered by those of concerned AKP elites and a worried and satirical public. Turkey
After Turkey's 'stab in the back' to Russia, will anyone support Ankara? After it shot down a Russian fighter jet, Turkey is unlikely to get much support from its allies. Syria
Will downing of Russia warplane thwart France’s efforts for broader anti-IS coalition? Turkey’s downing of a Russian warplane threatens to complicate French efforts to bolster closer Western coordination with Moscow in combating IS. Iraq
In quest for statehood, Palestinians prepare security plans Preparing for statehood, Palestinian officials presented detailed security plans and strategies to retired American Gen. John Allen when he came for security talks in 2013-2014 as part of the Kerry peace talks. Palestine
