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
Is Turkey poised to invade Syria? The Turkish military is concerned a military engagement in northern Syria has no international support. Syria
Radical groups lure Tripoli youths Leaked videos showing Lebanese security forces torturing Islamist prisoners in Roumieh prison have stirred the anger of Tripoli’s disaffected youths, pushing them further toward extremism. Lebanon
Iraq's defunct military industry Some Iraqi parties are calling for the reactivation of the Military Industry Commission, a relic of Saddam Hussein's rule, in order to jump-start investment. Iraq
Khamenei adviser: IS warned about Iraq shrines The military adviser for Iran's supreme leader said the Islamic State was warned about approaching Shiite shrines. Regional
Security situation weighs on Iraq's economy The wars that befell Iraq have negatively impacted the country’s economy, spiking its poverty rates and driving some to distrust what seems to be a temporary solution to the crisis the government seems inclined to adopt. Iraq
Turkish military edges closer to Syria intervention Despite the Turkish military's deep reservations, it appears to be preparing itself to enter Syria in the next two weeks. Syria
New report outlines Al-Aqsa Mosque recommendations The International Crisis Group report on Al-Aqsa compound in Jerusalem tackles this controversial issue for Muslim Palestinians and Israeli Jews, and proposes recommendations to de-escalate the tension between all concerned parties, including Jordan. Palestine
Copts flee North Sinai As threats from terrorist groups escalate, Copts in Egypt's North Sinai governorate are fleeing their homes for fear of being killed or kidnapped. Egypt
Reality of deal sets in for Iran, P5+1 A senior US negotiator suggested that all parties, but particularly the Iranians, may be experiencing some eleventh-hour jitters. Iran
Awaiting 'white smoke' in Vienna An Iranian source tells Al-Monitor that it is Iran, not the US Congress, that needs reassurances as nuclear talks in Vienna approach the deadline. Iran
Did Moscow’s 'air defense' diplomacy land Saudi deal? After decades of disappointment, it appears Russia might finally become an arms supplier to Saudi Arabia, after also reaching deals with Iran and Egypt. Legacy: Gulf
How stronger Russia-Saudi ties may be threat to Assad The recent visit of Saudi Arabia’s deputy crown prince to Russia suggests a possible progression in Saudi-Russia relations. But what implications could such an alliance have on regional conflicts, particularly the Syrian crisis? Saudi Arabia
