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
Time for decisions on Iran deal The US and Iran signaled negotiations to reach a political agreement for an Iran nuclear deal are likely to go down to the wire March 31. Congress
Riyadh's war on Yemen stokes Saudi nationalism Saudi Arabia's war on Houthis in Yemen is key to rallying the domestic Saudi populace after the regime's repeated failures to obtain a victory over Iran. Saudi Arabia
Rouhani writes Obama as Iran talks enter endgame Iranian President Hassan Rouhani wrote US President Obama and called other P5+1 leaders as foreign ministers from six world powers are expected to join Iran talks over the weekend to try to reach a political agreement on an Iran nuclear deal by March 31. Congress
Iran condemns Saudi bombing of Yemen Hard-line Iranian officials have condemned the United States and Saudi Arabia for the bombing in Yemen and have warned of consequences for Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
Hamas hopes to expand regional relations Hamas is seeking to expand its regional relations, namely with Egypt, which is seemingly trying to ease tensions with the movement. Palestine
Are Turkey's young IS recruits now a domestic threat? Young Turks are increasingly attracted to the Islamic State's radical doctrines, believing their own country's brand of political Islam to be superficial, yet the Turkish government remains unconcerned with the increasing radicalization. Syria
Israel takes Hezbollah threats seriously The Israel Defense Forces have altered the topographical contours of the Western Galilee to create a steep cliff adjacent to the border with Lebanon, with the objective of turning the ground into a strategic advantage against Hezbollah. Israel
Palestinian national unity priority after Israeli elections In light of the results of the Israeli elections and amid a storm of accusations between Palestine and Israel, high-level Hamas leaders see Palestinian unity as a key component for enabling a possible solution to the deep-rooted conflict. Palestine
No 'deal' for Lebanese singer turned militant Amid the speculation, public resentment and mixed views that have been surrounding the case of Fadel Shaker, will the former singer, now militant, manage to find a way out? Lebanon
Iraq accepts international support in its war against IS Iraqis should dismiss criticism against the US role in the war against the Islamic State, because this war is international and the country needs any help it can get, whether foreign or local. Iraq
US sees path to Iran accord US officials say they see a path forward to reaching an agreement with Iran by the end of March for a final nuclear deal. Congress
Bahrain asks Congress for help in restoring arms sales Manama's embassy in Washington is circulating a letter calling for a united front against IS, Iran; Bahrain is courting Congress in its effort to get the Obama administration to unblock weapons sales that were suspended after its 2011 crackdown on Shiite-led protesters. Legacy: Gulf
