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
Russia to negotiate with Syria on more military bases: Interfax Russia, which currently has two permanent military facilities in Syria, will reportedly hold talks with Damascus over obtaining more. Syria
Netanyahu undeterred on annexation Israel's prime minister has dismissed the international outcry, counting on the US president and popular support at home. Palestine
Libya says oil blockade has cost $5 billion in lost revenue The Tripoli-based National Oil Corporation said the closure of oil facilities in January has led to billions in losses. Libya
Iran arrests 'separatists' in southwest Khuzestan province Arab opposition groups are active in Iran's diverse and oil-rich area of Khuzestan, and a recent protest took place in the province against the lack of drinking water. Iran
Can Saudi Arabia fix Yemen’s anti-Houthi coalition? Following the breakdown of the Riyadh agreement, and renewed fighting in April, Saudi Arabia hosted the STC president to discuss the situation, but it remains doubtful the Gulf state can offer an easy solution if the war with the Houthis is not settled first. Saudi Arabia
Putin appoints third special envoy to Syria Putin's decision to appoint a new special envoy for developing relations with Syria likely has several aims, including to balance military and diplomatic involvement in Russia's Syria policy. Syria
Turkey conducts rare strike in Iraq's Sulaimaniyah province against PKK Most Turkey-PKK fighting takes place in other parts of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq where Turkey has military bases. Iraq
US warns of NATO security threat as Russian jets arrive in Libya The fighter aircraft were delivered via Syria, where they were reportedly painted "to camouflage their Russian origin." Turkey
China loses bid to build $1.5 billion desalination plant in Israel Under pressure from the US administration, Israel has chosen a local company over a Chinese one to construct and operate its massive new sewage water desalination plant. Israel
Kirkuk tribesmen rally as IS launch new wave of attacks As Islamic State sleeper cells continue to carry out attacks south and west of oil-rich Kirkuk, local tribesmen made efforts to show unity while other factions showed off "resistance" to the United States and Israel. Iraq
Three villages north of Cairo emerge from lockdown Egyptian authorities isolated three villages to contain the spread of the coronavirus, as hospitals outside the capital struggle to keep up with the increasing number of infections. Egypt
Cairo cracks down on social media influencers Internet personalities in Egypt, especially women, are the target of a government campaign against debauchery and other charges that rights activists say violate free speech. Egypt
