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
Besieged Aleppo residents turn to farming Residents in the rebel-held part of Aleppo are planting vegetables and raising animals in preparation for the impending regime siege. Syria
Russian DFM talks Syrian issue with Hezbollah Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov met with a wide range of Lebanese leaders during a visit to Beirut and told everyone what they wanted to hear. Lebanon
Russia steps up its Middle East policy Russia has recently increased its diplomatic efforts in the Middle East on a variety of fronts, ranging from Arab-Israeli peace to trade with Lebanon and military cooperation with Sudan. Iraq
Arab parties push for unity ahead of Israeli elections As the Knesset prepares to debate proposed laws that would significantly damage political activity by the Palestinian parties, Arab members weigh their options while debating ways to increase their collective power in parliament. Israel
Egypt passes new law on 'terrorist' entities Egypt has passed a new law defining individuals and entities to be deemed terrorist, prompting fears that many human rights activists and civil society organizations with ties to the Muslim Brotherhood will be targeted. Egypt
Fatah official: Israel, Hamas in direct talks A Fatah official has confirmed claims by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas about Israel and Hamas holding direct talks, claiming that the two sides are engaged in security cooperation. Palestine
Israel-Hezbollah deterrence game continues The reported airstrike against a convoy on its way from Lebanon to Syria has not yet sparked a strong reaction by Hezbollah against Israel, probably because its patron Iran is still negotiating a nuclear deal. Israel
Israeli strikes on Syria hit Iranian weapons destined for Hezbollah Syrian military sources tell Al-Monitor that Israeli warplanes struck storage depots with Iranian weapons that were to be sent to Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel
Syrian fighter's story one of tragedy, greed In search of money and power, one young Syrian man considered signing up with the army, then joined a rebel faction and later the Islamic State, but was ultimately rewarded with death. Syria
What happened at anti-IS coalition meeting? A diplomatic source participating in the gathering of the international coalition against the Islamic State told Al-Monitor that Turkey sought to undermine its regional rivals for its own interests. Iraq
Hamas in Turkey on alert after Israeli complaint Hamas officials in Turkey are taking precautions after Israel’s complaint to NATO against Ankara for hosting the Palestinian Islamist group, fearing that Israel might resume assassinating its leaders abroad. Palestine
US must encourage Israeli voters to seek end to conflict While Israeli voters prepare for elections, US President Barack Obama should not echo former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's unconditional support for Israel: He should instead show voters the price of their leaders' refusal to negotiate with the Palestinians. Israel
