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
International intrigue surrounds missing Czechs in Lebanon Speculation has it that the disappearance of five Czech nationals in the Bekaa Valley is connected to an alleged Lebanese smuggler who is wanted by the United States, is being detained in Prague and has supposed ties to deposed Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych. Lebanon
Salehi speaks on 'secret side deal' with IAEA In an interview with Iranian state television, Ali Akbar Salehi, the head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, talked about the agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency of how the inspections of specific sites will be handled. Iran
Is PKK real target of Turkish strikes? Turkey’s decision to open two fronts, against the Islamic State and the PKK, complicates US cooperation with Kurds in Syria. Iraq
The case for releasing Pollard US authorities deny any linkage between the Iran deal and the fact that it won't oppose the release of convicted spy Jonathan Pollard later this year. Israel
Travel permits aim to manage, not solve, Palestine-Israel conflict Palestinians were granted permits to travel to Israel for the Eid al-Fitr holiday, but larger issues remain. Palestine
Erdogan’s shift on Islamic State linked to Kurdish gains in Syria Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan finally takes on the Islamic State while attacking PKK bases in northern Iraq; Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu now the only US ally actively opposing Iran deal; Israel faces pressure to forgo demolition of Palestinian village. Palestine
Turkey drawn into vortex of violence A sudden escalation of attacks against police and the military after the Suruc suicide bombing prompts fears that the cease-fire with the Kurds has ended. Turkey
Congress gets extra dose of Iran before summer recess A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of July 27. Iraq
Iraqi Christian militia draws foreign fighters Foreign fighters who have joined Dwekh Nawsha, a Christian military organization fighting the Islamic State in Iraq, are finally seeing combat. Iraq
Saudi-Iranian understanding key to nuclear deal's success The nuclear deal should be a prelude to major coordination between Saudi Arabia and Iran if it is to help bring about peace in the region. Pan Arab
Hamas puts on new face with English website launch Hamas has launched a new website in English in the hope of bolstering its communication with the West. Palestine
Israel defense minister refuses to consider IDF pension cuts Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon attacked a report calling for the cutting of IDF salaries and pensions despite public support for a more transparent IDF budget. Israel
