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
Hamas warily eyes proposals for long-term truce with Israel Negotiations are ongoing between Hamas and international envoys on a potential 15-year truce with Israel, a plan some Hamas and Fatah figures see as a way to split the Gaza Strip from the West Bank. Palestine
Why Pakistan said no to King Salman Pakistan's unanimous decision to stay out of the conflict brewing in Yemen, and to push for a political resolution rather than a military one, puts significant strain on bilateral relations, complicating Saudi-Pakistani diplomatic relations. Legacy: Gulf
Israeli courts give free hand to Shin Bet Lawyers specialized in human rights claim that ever since the kidnapping and murder of the three Israeli youths in June 2014, the Israeli judicial system is more lenient concerning the Israeli security apparatus' interrogation methods. Palestine
Khamenei: Nuclear deal could allow talks 'on other issues' Iran’s supreme leader hints at engagement with the West beyond the nuclear talks; al-Qaeda winning in Yemen; Turkey backs Iran framework agreement; questions about Morocco’s contribution to Clinton Foundation; lobbying series updates. Legacy: Gulf
Is Iran outmaneuvering Saudi Arabia in Yemen? Accusations that Iran is aiding Yemen's Houthis increased dramatically in 2009, in large part due to Saudi and Iranian media, though little evidence exists for direct Iranian influence. Saudi Arabia
Iran dispatches diplomats to tackle Yemen crisis Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has presented steps to be taken to end the crisis in Yemen as Iran's diplomats have been dispatched to the region. Saudi Arabia
Congress gets its say on Iran deal A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of April 13 Iran
France steps up involvement on Iran, Palestine France has been very proactive during talks on the Iranian framework agreement, and it intends to extend this proactive attitude to the Palestinian issue. Palestine
Zionist Camp MK: Israel can maximize benefits from Iran deal In an interview with Al-Monitor, Zionist Camp Knesset member Eyal Ben-Reuven says that the Iranian framework agreement does establish some limits on the nuclear project, and calls to focus on effective deterrence and tight control on Iran. Israel
Khamenei criticizes Saudi airstrikes, nuclear agreement In addition to opposing recent Saudi strikes on Yemen, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei voiced dissatisfaction with the recent Iran nuclear talks milestone, expressing skepticism that coming talks will result in adequate sanctions relief. Saudi Arabia
Iranian analyst questions policy toward Israel In a debate about the Lausanne nuclear framework, an Iranian professor questioned the cost Iran has paid for its nuclear program and the country's destructive policy toward Israel. Iran
How Nespresso and a whiteboard sealed the Iran deal An inside look at the marathon negotiations between the P5+1 and Iran that led to the provisional nuclear accord. Iran
