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
Saudi airstrikes against Yemen a first The new Saudi king has united the Arabs against the Houthis, with Qatar and Egypt now on the same side. Legacy: Gulf
Iraqi residents denied return to town seized from IS Some four months after being retaken from Islamic State fighters, Jalawla, in the Kurdistan region, remains uninhabited and divided among peshmerga, Shiite militias and Asayish, with residents awaiting resolution of who will ultimately control it. Iraq
Iraqis turn to social media for IS coverage Iraqis are shunning broadcast and print media in favor of social networking sites to spread and follow news about the fighting against the Islamic State. Iraq
Hamas reacts to Abbas’ call for Arab strike against Gaza Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ call during the Arab Summit for an attack against Hamas in Gaza — similar to the one launched by Saudi Arabia against Yemen — has raised the ire of Hamas figures. Palestine
Can Riyadh, Tehran find common ground in Yemen? If Saudi Arabia and Iran were interested, the confrontation in Yemen could give way to a grand regional bargain. Saudi Arabia
Erdogan takes swipe at Iran Observers are wondering why Erdogan is trying to drag Turkey into the region’s growing sectarian conflict. Yemen
Ninevah monastery hopes for liberation Past regular visitors to St. George's Monastery, north of Mosul, have been saddened and horrified by the acts of destruction by Islamic State members at the site. Iraq
Jordan sharpens focus on IS as Gulf confronts Iran Jordan may have Iranian fighters on its border but its No. 1 priority is still combating the Islamic State. Yemen
Mistrust blinds Netanyahu to regional openings The dangers Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu perceives in the region obstruct his ability to see opportunities favorable to Israel. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi-caused chaos continues in Yemen The complexities of the Yemeni state will stand in the way of a political settlement that might result from the military intervention launched by Saudi Arabia against the Houthis in Yemen. Saudi Arabia
Iran talks may go into night There were signs that Iran and the six world powers were preparing to announce a partial agreement for a final Iran nuclear deal, but diplomats said the talks could go on into the night or the next day, April 1. Russia
Tehran-Kabul relationship faces difficult road As militants begin to prepare for the spring offensive, Iran will face new challenges in dealing with its neighbor to the east. Iran
