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
US soldier accused of planning neo-Nazi attack on unit in Turkey pleads not guilty The soldier allegedly sought to help recruit local jihadists in Turkey carry out an attack on a US military facility. Turkey
Mysterious explosions escalate Israel, Iran tensions Ahead of the US presidential elections, and on the backdrop of mysterious explosions, Israel prepares for various escalation scenarios on Iran’s part. Israel
Turkey entrenches further into Libya as rivals strike back Ankara is set to deepen its military intervention on the side of Libya’s Government of National Accord as it asserts dominance in the gas-rich eastern Mediterranean and drums up domestic support for the ruling party. Turkey
Despite promises, displaced Iraqis linger in limbo Iraq's prime minister has prioritized helping the displaced, but efforts to restore them to their homes are still hindered by political disagreements, a lack of funds and the absence of infrastructure and services. Iraq
China’s 'Belt and Road' push brings risks, rewards to Mideast China's digital and satellite advances offer new regional opportunities and challenges for the United States in countering Beijing's economic influence in the region. Saudi Arabia
Ethiopian refugees caught in middle of Nile dam row between Cairo, Addis Ababa Ethiopian refugees in Egypt worry that their situation will decline further due to the Nile dam row between their host and home country. Egypt
Cairo marks anniversary of revolution by jailing journalists Egypt has been passing the days leading up to the anniversary of the military coup that toppled President Mohammed Morsi with a clampdown reminiscent of 2013. Egypt
Intel: Congress urges UN to reopen humanitarian aid crossings into Syria A bipartisan group of US lawmakers urged the United Nations to reopen a key border crossing into Syria, which Russia shut down in January using its veto power at the Security Council. Syria
Northwest Syria holds breath for decision on cross-border aid Syrians in Idlib fear aid cuts as much as new battles as their living conditions worsen. Syria
Horrific patterns of torture catalogued in Yemen’s unofficial prisons More than 1,000 people have been arbitrarily detained and hundreds tortured by Yemen's warring parties, finds a new report. Yemen
Egypt hackers attack Ethiopian sites as Nile dam talks falter Ethiopia announced it has foiled an Egyptian cyber attack as tensions deepen between the two countries over the limping negotiations on the Nile dam dispute. Egypt
Houthis state readiness to talk peace with Saudis as missiles continue to rain By escalating military operations against Riyadh, the Houthis are seeking to build themselves a position of strength for public negotiations with Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
