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
What's the difference between habbeh and intifada? Palestinian media and politicians have yet to agree on the terminology of the ongoing events in the West Bank and Jerusalem. Palestine
How outlawing the Islamic Movement could backfire on Israel The decision to outlaw the northern branch of the Islamic Movement in Israel might actually strengthen its status among Palestinians there. Palestine
Does Bibi know more than the Israeli intelligence service? Despite recommendations by the Shin Bet to outlaw the Muslim Brotherhood, the Netanyahu government decided instead to side with the police and outlaw the northern branch of the Islamic Movement. Palestine
Can Syrian opposition defend both Hama and Aleppo at the same time? The Syrian opposition is stretching itself thin as it strives to protect Aleppo while also securing its progress toward Hama, where regime forces pose a serious threat. Syria
Democrats warn Syrian refugee ban would empower Islamic State Congressional Democrats say discriminating against Muslims would harm war effort. Syria
As IS fight ramps up, Obama sees modest progress, hope for Syria diplomacy President Barack Obama cited fragile progress in forging a Syrian diplomatic road map at international talks in Vienna that called for bringing the Syrian regime and opposition together for talks leading to a cease-fire, a new constitution in six months and new elections in 2017. Syria
G-20 summit returns Erdogan to the world stage Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan returns to the world stage after the G-20 summit, yet it's not clear whether he will be able to rise to the occasion and change his stance domestically in order to appear less authoritarian and anti-democratic. Syria
Turkey's no-fly plan grounded at G-20 summit Despite Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's efforts to paint a picture of international support for his Syria policies, US President Barack Obama has continued to reject Turkey’s proposals for a safe zone in Syria. Syria
Why Paris attacks will create backlash for migrants in Europe The recent attack in Paris by the Islamic State, and claims that one of the attackers held a Syrian passport, reignited the issue of the return of Western jihadi fighters to their countries in Europe. Syria
Hawkish Republican candidates don’t mince words on radical Islam While some Republican presidential candidates have been quick to declare a war on radical Islam, there has been little focus on the causes behind its rise. Syria
Is promoting civil society key to combating radical groups? Propping up oppressive dictators won’t stop violence in the Middle East and beyond, and a sophisticated approach is needed to address the complex origins of terror in the region. Pan Arab
Erdogan’s march to one-man power A few years ago, three powerful men — Erdogan, Gulen and Ocalan — had a say in Turkey’s future, but now Erdogan has emerged as "the man” charting the country’s course. Turkey
