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
As popularity rises, Iran tries to control Telegram messaging app Iranian authorities have asked Telegram messaging service to block "immoral" content. Russia
Is Russian intervention in Syria pushing 'moderate jihadis' toward Islamic State? Russia's attacks on "moderate jihadi" groups appears to be pushing them to consider the possibility of uniting under the umbrella of the Islamic State. Syria
Is Israeli settler violence contributing to the current wave of terror? Israeli settlers' violence toward Palestinians adds to the frustration and anger of Palestinian youth. Palestine
No breakthrough in Syria possible without Iran Russian foreign minister dismisses rumors of a deal on Assad ahead of Syria talks; Hezbollah takes casualties in Hama; Turkey’s headache over US support for Syrian Kurds; days of rage in Gaza. Palestine
Senate to grill Kerry on Russian war in Syria A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of Oct. 26. Iraq
Clinton questions Jordan’s stability, provoking ire in Amman Hillary Clinton’s remarks that peace between Israelis and Palestinians depends on the stability of Jordan and the future developments in Syria sparked anger and concern among Jordanians. Palestine
Unraveling Islamic State’s Turkish recruitment scheme The recent Ankara bombing is being blamed on a suicide bomber unit of the Islamic State, known as Dokumacilar, recruited from Turkey’s southeastern province of Adiyaman. Syria
What the Aleppo offensive hides The battle for Aleppo may be a long and costly battle for Syrian regime forces due to the size of the city, the remaining large civil population and the multitude of players. Syria
Religious events in Iraq become show of force Religious events in Iraq have come to serve as opportunities for sects to make a show of force, as tensions persist in the country. Iraq
Palestinians fired in retaliation for protests Israeli employers are dismissing Palestinian workers in settlements in the West Bank and Jerusalem, a trend with dire consequences for Israel's economy. Palestine
Could Egypt be key to political solution in Syria? The Russian air operation in Syria, the US suspension of its training program for new Syrian rebels and its rapprochement with Iran call for an Egyptian mediation to end the war in Syria. Saudi Arabia
US sends 'message' to Abbas with $80 million aid cut The State Department has notified Congress that it's cutting FY 2015 assistance to the Palestinians by 22%. Palestine
