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
Arms shipment to Lebanon to arrive in April French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius has announced that the first arms shipment of the Saudi grant, which has been stalled for more than year, will arrive to Lebanon on April 1. Saudi Arabia
Russia and Egypt's 'new partnership' Russian President Vladimir Putin and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's new relationship could shift the dynamics of the Middle East. Egypt
Rouhani challenges Iran deal detractors Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said that "only the Zionists" are opposed to a nuclear deal, and those not supporting the negotiators are guilty of "betrayal." Iran
Syrian Turkmens are forgotten ally in war against Islamic State Syrian Turkmens say they can play key role in fighting IS in northern Syria. Syria
Egyptian army struggles to address terrorism in Sinai Despite the Egyptian army's claims to victory over terrorists in the Sinai Peninsula, terrorist attacks have increased, a trend many attribute to the failure of the army's strategy. Egypt
Delay of French-Saudi military aid to Lebanon a mystery US military aid has filled a crucial gap in Lebanon as a Saudi-French aid package has been delayed for unknown reasons. Saudi Arabia
Why Salafists see Shiites as their greatest enemy Many Salafists see Shiites, not Jews and Israel, as the greatest threat to Islam. Pan Arab
Iraqis play politics with Mosul investigation Altering the committee investigating the fall of Mosul to reflect the political quota system serves the interests of the political parties and blocs, not finding the truth. Iraq
Saudis struggle to reconcile IS fight, Wahhabism While it might not be what the West wants to hear, Wahhabism and Salafism offer young Saudis clear boundaries and a blueprint for changing the self and the world through action. Legacy: Gulf
Is Turkey becoming a police state? Critics say a proposed law will turn Turkey into a police state by providing security forces with extensive powers to suppress the government’s opponents. Turkey
Iraqi tribes slowly become 'state within a state' As political parties try to put tribes under their sway for electoral gains, Iraqi tribes have become “a state within a state,” where laws are powerless over their armament, authority and power. Iraq
Hamas condemns killing of Jordanian pilot Hamas speaks out in support of Jordan following the Islamic State’s brutal killing of Jordanian pilot Muath al-Kaseasbeh and also looks to repair relations with the Hashemite kingdom following a tense period. Palestine
