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
Even clerics are joining Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units The phenomenon of clerics joining Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Units to fight the Islamic State, while deemed beneficial by many, remains controversial. Iraq
Al-Aqsa tensions straining Palestinian solidarity The Palestinian Authority's repressive approach to recent demonstrations is leading some to wonder whether popular anger against Israel might soon be turned against Palestinian security forces. Palestine
Death of Egyptian author who drove across Israel leaves void in Israeli-Egyptian relations The Egyptian satirist Ali Salem was more than just a true friend to a number of Israelis — he was the apostle of a warm peace. Egypt
Congress hesitant to share IS intelligence with Putin, Assad Lawmakers are ambivalent about greater cooperation in countering foreign fighters. Syria
Turkey's Middle East policy 'fiasco' Ankara wants to set up three cities for refugees on the Syrian side of the border with EU funds, but suspicions linger about its true intentions. Turkey
Pedal power gets Turkish makeover Turkish activists put heels on wheels to encourage women to ride bicycles for transportation, health, empowerment and a cleaner environment. Turkey
Abbas turns to Russia It seems Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is asking Russia to step up its role in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as the United States is slowly retreating from dealing with the region's issues. Palestine
Netanyahu, modern-day Goliath? The thinking behind Israel relaxing the rules of engagement against Palestinians throwing stones is a double-edged sword. Palestine
Rouhani settles into a more 'normal' UN routine On his third trip to the UN as Iranian president, Hassan Rouhani is eclipsed by Pope Francis, Russian President Vladimir Putin and the deaths of hundreds of Iranian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. Iran
Why is Jalili pouncing on the nuclear deal? In Iran, leading conservatives use the platform of a new parliamentary commission to attack the nuclear deal. But why? Iran
The mystery of Iran's missing ambassador As Saudi sources claim that Iran's former ambassador to Lebanon never entered Saudi Arabia for the hajj, Iranian media outlets are crying foul play. Saudi Arabia
Will Russia’s move ruin Erdogan’s plan for Syria? Will Turkey’s rules of engagement against Syrian planes now apply to Russian planes flying near the Turkish border? Syria
