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
Amid crackdown, tunnel smuggling is risky business in Gaza As the Egyptian army intensifies its campaign to destroy the border tunnels from southern Gaza, many still rely on smuggling goods for work, as no better jobs are available. Palestine
Why Assad may be helping Islamic State’s offensive The latest regime airstrikes against rebels in Aleppo’s northern countryside seem to benefit the Islamic State, but also help the Syrian government divide its enemies. Syria
Gaza deputy minister: PA behind recent bombings In this interview with Al-Monitor, Gaza's Deputy Minister of Interior, Kamel Abu Madi, speaks out on who should be held accountable for the recent bombings. Palestine
IDF to unify cyber warfare units The Israeli army has decided to unite its cyber units into one branch, responsible for cyber intelligence gathering, cyber defense and cyber attacks. Israel
Saudis' war effort struggles on three fronts The two contenders to the Saudi throne need signs of impending victory in their battles against the Houthis to secure their legitimacy to lead. Legacy: Gulf
Captured fighter details Islamic State's Turkey connection A Turkish citizen who joined the Islamic State in September and was captured in early June by Syrian Kurds explained IS' induction process with chilling clarity in a video shared exclusively with Al-Monitor. Syria
From Omar to Hussain: Why Iraqis are changing their names Intensification of Iraq's sectarian divide is forcing increasing numbers of people to change their names to avoid harassment and death. Iraq
US suspends aid to Yemen for one year USAID has put $12 million in development aid on ice while Congress punts on future funding. Yemen
Hanan Ashrawi: US must act quickly to save two-state solution In this interview with Al-Monitor, PLO Executive Committee member Hanan Ashrawi speaks about the controversy surrounding Israel’s upcoming report on Gaza, current negotiations and potential solutions. Palestine
War makes its presence felt on Yemen The war on Yemen and the internal clashes among factions have caused the country to descend into chaos and slammed the brakes on people’s most primary needs. Saudi Arabia
Extremist groups transform concept of jihad Extremist Islamic groups have transformed the spiritual concept of jihad, including turning it into a military instrument for implementing political agendas. Iraq
Pan-Islamic movement becomes political player in Palestine Hizb ut-Tahrir in the Palestinian territories emerged as a political party that seeks the return of the Islamic caliphate, unlike Hamas and other Islamic parties that focus on the resistance against Israel. Palestine
