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
Militarization of Iraqi society is intensifying The fight against the Islamic State is leading increasing numbers of civilians to take up arms and defend their territory. Iraq
Hamas focuses on rebuilding tunnels as Gazans suffer Hamas' focus on reconstructing its tunnel infrastructure and rearming, while ignoring the lack of housing in Gaza and the general misery of Gaza residents, points to the military wing's dominance in the organization. Palestine
Democrats slam brakes on Iran action Forget about voting on anything before March 24 deadline, House and Senate Democrats warn. Israel
Retired Israeli general combats stereotypes In an interview with Al-Monitor, retired Brig. Gen. Israela Oron emphasizes that contrary to traditional Israeli perception, men have no superiority over women in matters of security. Israel
IS eager to confront US ground forces in Iraq Islamic State propaganda makes clear its desire to draw the United States into deploying combat troops, setting up a potentially direct confrontation. Iraq
The female 'rock stars' of terror Women such as Saja al-Dulaimi and Joumana Hmayed are often used for smuggling messages, money and arms by extremist groups in addition to suicide bombing operations. Lebanon
US still considering no-fly zone for Syria Two top US officials differ about the prospects for identifying, training and equipping a new moderate Syrian force to oppose the group that calls itself the Islamic State. Syria
Congress races to act on Iran after Bibi's speech The Senate is to take up a bill demanding a say on the nuclear deal next week. Iran
Cyprus port deal gives Russian navy alternative to Tartus An agreement allowing the Russian navy access to ports in Cyprus sends a message to the EU and gives Moscow an alternative to its facility at Tartus, Syria. Syria
US persuaded Turkey to include Israel in NATO drills Leaked emails between the Obama administration and Turkish senior officials reflect US efforts at reconciling Israel and Turkey — when the latter objected to Israel's participation at a NATO sea drill. Israel
War puts Syrians on unexpected career paths Young graduates in Damascus are having a hard time securing a job in their field, thus turning to nongovernmental organizations and volunteer work. Syria
Palestinian factions maintain fragile stability in Sidon camp Although Salafist fugitives have found refuge in Ain al-Hilweh, competing Palestinian factions appear intent on maintaining stability in the refugee camp. Lebanon
