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
Addressing corruption just one part of Iraqi security Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's efforts to reform the security and military institutions are necessary to eliminate corruption but not enough to restore Iraq’s security. Iraq
Sistani denies supporting Soleiman's involvement in Iraq The office of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani has denied allegations that he supports the Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani's presence and Iranian involvement in Iraq in the fight against the Islamic State. Iraq
Liberman outlines his regional peace plan In an interview with Al-Monitor, Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman details his comprehensive regional proposal, including land and population swaps. Israel
Tensions rise between Egypt, Hamas Tensions have surged between Egypt and Hamas following the deadly October attack in the Sinai Peninsula against Egyptian soldiers, which prompted an Egyptian media campaign against Hamas. Palestine
Israel: Turkey insincere about mending fences Several emissaries are trying to reconcile Turkey and Israel, but the latter feels that resetting relations requires a sincere change of approach: an end to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's declarations against Israel and to his support for Hamas terror. Israel
Turkey's women expand role in military The Turkish army is witnessing a rapid increase of females in its ranks. Turkey
After joining IS, Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis expands in Egypt Terrorist group Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis is developing its strategy and tactics after joining the Islamic State, and threatens to spread the violence to Egyptian cities outside Sinai. Egypt
In latest peace plans for Syria, Assad can stay Peace proposals by Russia, the UN secretary-general's special envoy and a European think tank are making news. Syria
Turkey's Hamas 'bureau' Hamas activist Saleh al-Arouri, previously expelled from Israel, found refuge in Turkey, where he managed to create a militant alternative to the movement’s splintered leadership. Palestine
Houthis’ advance threatens Red Sea countries Red Sea countries are sounding the alarm as to the possible Houthis takeover of Bab al-Mandeb strait, by issuing initiatives to preserve the security of these states. Yemen
US tries to head off Israeli-Palestinian 'Al-Aqsa war' While right-wing settlers and extremist Palestinians ponder a ''war of zealots,'' the Obama administration considers a tactical deal, including an Israeli settlement freeze in exchange for Palestinian security cooperation and no unilateral moves at the UN. Palestine
Gaza's pregnant women suffer With the high number of wounded individuals during the last Israeli offensive against Gaza, doctors were often unable to attend to pregnant women giving birth or experiencing complications before and after deliveries. Palestine
