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
The high price for neglecting Palestinians in Israel Growing frustration after years of discrimination and neglect is leading Israeli Arabs to identify with their West Bank brothers even as they attack their countrymen. Palestine
The 'smartphone intifada' Social media is playing a vital role in the current Palestinian protests. Palestine
Islamic Jihad committed to truce … as long as Israel is In an interview with Al-Monitor, Islamic Jihad political bureau member Nafez Azzam said his movement does not condone the firing of rockets from Gaza and that Hamas and Fatah must end their internal division to spare Palestinians more suffering. Palestine
Amnesty International accuses Kurdish YPG of war crimes Amnesty International is accusing the autonomous Kurdish administration in northern Syria of committing war crimes. Syria
Iran's efforts to improve ties with West 'fruitless' without US In the aftermath of the historic nuclear deal, the question arises of whether Iran's rapprochement with the West will once again be limited to improved relations with Europe. Iran
Despite airstrikes, is Russia still working toward political solution in Syria? Russia appears to be considering various political resolutions to the Syrian crisis, possibly including one without Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Syria
Arrest of Iranian teachers tests Iran-UAE relations The arrest of Iranian teachers working in the UAE has prompted some Iranian officials to call for firmer measures against the UAE. United Arab Emirates
Israel divided over wave of violence While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tries to restrain his government, tension rises within the Palestinian sector in Israel. Palestine
Four years after Gadhafi, is Libya better off? Libya drifts dangerously to the point of no return as Islamic militants terrorize civilians and two rival governments battle it out. Libya
Bibi blames everyone but himself for recent violence The Israeli government blames incitement for a series of stabbing attacks by individual Palestinians instead of acknowledging the real reasons they are willing to take such a risk. Palestine
Will social media spark a third intifada? Social media campaigns encourage and intensify the recent Palestinian outbreak that no party can control unless one "thinks differently," suggests media analyst Orit Perlov. Palestine
Jordanian palace silent on Russian intervention in Syria Some commentators argue that Jordan's lack of comment on Russia's involvement in Syria is related to the kingdom's acceptance of Moscow's position that Syrian president Bashar al-Assad be part of a postwar transitional phase. Legacy: Gulf
