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
After Tikrit victory, what's next for Iraqi forces? Although the Islamic State was heavily defeated in Tikrit, to sustain the victory of the many groups that fought this battle seems far-fetched as confusion prevails among them. Iraq
Saudi airport incident incites social media outrage in Iran Iranian social media users have erupted in anger over the two Iranian pilgrims allegedly assaulted in Saudi Arabia, prompting calls for calm from journalists. Saudi Arabia
Turkish soldiers target villagers' mules Mules belonging to villagers living in the sensitive Uludere area have been shot by the Turkish military in its fight against what the state defines as smuggling and the locals see as legitimate trade over the Iraqi border. Iraq
US relations with Egypt: one problem at a time American-Egyptian relations are structured in a piecemeal fashion, lacking strategic thinking and planning for long-term stability. Egypt
Tension renews between Hamas, IS in Gaza Much speculation surrounds the purported animosity between Hamas and Islamic State militants in Gaza, further threatening Gaza’s security. Palestine
White House OKs Senate's Iran bill President Barack Obama is expected to sign the congressional review of the Iranian deal into law. Iran
After nuclear deal, what's next for Iran? In the run-up to the comprehensive nuclear agreement with Iran, it is time for the United States and Iran to ease the political and security issues, which in turn will improve trade, technological and economic relations. Iran
Soleimani: No more selfies Commander of Iran's Quds Force Qasem Soleimani has written an open letter asking that a film about him not be produced and for officials to stop the "exaggeration" about him on social media. Iran
Turkish army clashes with PKK The Turkish government is accused of deploying troops in a plan to break the cease-fire with the Kurdistan Workers Party. Turkey
Aleppo's Christians face rising violence The recent happenings in Syria are far from promising as conflicts intensify and fighting increases. Syria
Russian missile deal sets off alarm bells in Israel Israel fears that the nuclear agreement, combined with Russian missiles, will strengthen Iran on all fronts, changing the balance of power of both Iran and Hezbollah vis-a-vis Israel. Israel
Syrian border closure deals blow to Jordan economy The Free Syrian Army has taken over the strategic border crossing of Nasib, a main trade route between Jordan and Syria, pushing the Jordanian government to seek alternative transport options and export markets. Jordan
