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
Intel: Yemen separatists capture government convoy hauling cash to Aden Fighters affiliated with Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council hijacked a convoy carrying billions of foreign-printed Yemeni riyals near the port of Aden on Saturday. Saudi Arabia
Turkey bombs PKK targets in northern Iraq as government's ratings sag The early morning strikes comes as the Turkish opposition launched a march for justice and democracy today. Turkey
Despite Abbas cutting ties, security lines remain open between Israel, PA Now that coordination with Israel has officially ended, the Palestinian security agencies are sharing indirect messages with their Israeli counterparts. Palestine
Intel: US to pull more troops from Iraq as dialogue with Baghdad continues The United States said it will further reduce its troop levels in Iraq as American diplomats and their Iraqi counterparts continue a round of dialogue initiated yesterday over the future of the countries’ relationship. Iraq
As Syria’s economy teeters, US prepares sweeping sanctions On Wednesday, the US State Department will announce the first round of targets under the so-called Caesar Act. Syria
Erdogan aims for 'new era' in US-Turkey ties, with Libya top of agenda Mideast economic forecast is "heavily tilted to the downside," said a World Bank report. Turkey
Iraq keeps heat on Islamic State by targeting leaders Iraqi intelligence and military operations against IS have dealt a heavy blow to the group, which has lost a number of its leaders and fighters in recent months both inside and outside of Iraq. Iraq
Turkey hinders Egyptian peace efforts in Libya Cairo proposed a political initiative to resolve the Libyan crisis calling for a cease-fire between the conflicting parties, but the Government of National Accord, backed by Turkey, rejected it. Egypt
Intel: Trump lines up behind Libya cease-fire proposed by Egypt’s Sisi President Donald Trump praised Egypt for its Libya cease-fire proposal during a conversation on Wednesday with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Egypt
US-Iraq strategic talks launched with increasing national, regional support Iraq has begun a strategic dialogue with the United States that promises to shape various aspects of the two countries' relationship. Iraq
Intel: Trump’s Iran policy coordinator previews additional prisoner talks President Donald Trump’s Iran policy coordinator hinted today at ongoing negotiations with Tehran to secure the release of additional American prisoners following the release of Navy veteran Michael White last week. United States
Iran to execute man convicted of spying on Soleimani for US, Israel The Iranian judiciary has remained vague on whether information allegedly passed on by Mahmoud Mousavi-Majd had been directly involved in the US killing of the top general. Iran
