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
PA isolates West Bank camps The PA’s crackdown on West Bank refugee camps and withholding of aid is adding to the marginalization of the youth. Palestine
Saudi shake-up underscores stakes in Yemen Saudi credibility on the line in Yemen; al-Qaeda’s “free rein” in Yemen; Iraq seeks balance, distance from Saudi-Iranian rivalry; Iran’s Reformists still waiting for Rouhani to deliver; Syrian government intensifies attacks on rebel-held areas of Aleppo. Saudi Arabia
Iranian doc follows Afghan fighters in Syria The film, which was broadcast on an unofficial government channel, shows why Afghans living in Iran are fighting in Syria in support of President Bashar al-Assad. Syria
Saudi palace intrigue sparks speculation Saudi King Salman's unprecedented personnel changes and other moves have many wondering what might come next from the House of Saud. Legacy: Gulf
Iran's water crisis reaches critical levels Iran's political leadership must move quickly, and non-ideologically, to resolve the current water use crisis and avoid the possibility of mass migrations. Iran
Anbar’s displaced Sunnis not safe from sectarianism The wars in Iraq and the policies adopted after 2003 imposed new sectarian borders on the citizens, which are difficult to overcome in times of humanitarian crises. Iraq
Iraq, Syria crises cost billions for Turkey The amount Turkey has paid for the Iraqi and Syrian crises in the last four years has reached over $16 billion. Turkey
Israel eases Gaza blockade, hopes for Hamas stability Israel understands that Hamas is in Gaza to stay and is now searching for balance between easing the blockade for Gaza residents and limiting Hamas' military activity. Palestine
Start with Libya to combat illegal migration Following the tragic drowning of Libyans trying to flee the country, efforts by the international community to curb this phenomenon in Libya seems to have become indispensable. Libya
UNRWA takes no responsibility for rocket launchers in shelters The Board of Inquiry report concerning the strikes at UNRWA facilities during Operation Protective Edge fails to address that the agency’s officials turned a blind eye to Hamas militants' use of the facilities as weapon depots. Palestine
Zarif: Iran seeks to reduce regional tensions Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says that if and when a nuclear deal is finalized, Iran will focus on resolving regional issues before thinking about resuming diplomatic relations with the United States. Iran
Will the F-35 change Middle East warfare? Once it appears in Middle Eastern skies, the F-35 fighter aircraft may alter how wars are waged in the region. Israel
