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
How the IDF goes undercover among Palestinians The mistaravim, Israeli soldiers disguised as Palestinians, are known for infiltrating demonstrations. Palestine
When will Lebanon get their kidnapped soldiers back? Jabhat al-Nusra has ended negotiations on the release of Lebanese soldiers and security personnel it captured in August 2014, and the Islamic State has rejected efforts to discuss the soldiers it captured at that time. Lebanon
Does Iran even want Russia in Syria? Despite the stepped-up Russian role in Syria, it is still not clear whether Iran views this development in a wholly positive light. Iraq
IS, Jabhat al-Nusra trace Afghan battle lines in face-off against Russia In Syria today, terrorist groups are applying lessons from the Afghanistan experience to their plans to counter Russia. Syria
Once-frosty Erdogan warms up to NATO Russia’s military intervention in Syria is forcing Turkey's president to acknowledge he needs NATO. Syria
Why it's time for Israel to close Temple Mount to Jews The Israeli government must take decisive steps to show that it has no intention of altering the status quo in regard to Al-Aqsa Mosque. Palestine
Tunisia Nobel Peace Prize resonates across Middle East After the Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet won the Nobel Peace Prize, democracy activists drew solace as regional leaders remained silent. Egypt
Iranian government official promises better economy after nuclear deal An official with the Rouhani administration tells reporters that "there is no doubt" that the economy will improve after Iran's parliament approved the nuclear deal. Iran
PKK declares unilateral cease-fire, hopes the 10th time's a charm Heeding calls by Kurdish politicians and civil society, the PKK announced a unilateral cease-fire ahead of the Nov. 1 elections, but Ankara continues to target the militants. Turkey
Why is Turkey's government choosing to protect itself instead of its citizens? The Turkish government is so busy trying to protect itself, it might be neglecting to protect its citizens adequately. Turkey
Knesset of despair At the opening of the Knesset's winter session, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed the usual suspects for the current wave of violence, but offered no indication of how to stop it. Palestine
Egypt, Tunisia at a loss for how to deal with Libya Relations between Tunisia and Egypt have improved, but leaders still can't agree on how to resolve the crisis in Libya. Egypt
