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
Israel views extension of Iran talks as lesser of two evils Israel's attitude, favoring no nuclear agreement with Iran over a bad one, resulted in it being denied any direct influence on this phase of the negotiations, even if some of its worries are legitimate and shared by the US Congress. Israel
Ankara, Baghdad turn over new leaf in relationship Prospects for political, economic and security cooperation between Ankara, Baghdad and Erbil look much better today despite issues that have to be ironed out. Iraq
Israel violates terms of Gaza cease-fire Israel is still not abiding by the terms of the cease-fire deal that ended the Gaza war in August, and still harasses and fires at Palestinian farmers and fishermen. Palestine
Baghdadi vs. Zawahri: battle for global jihad Al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahri and Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi are engaged in a battle for the hearts and minds of Islamic militants worldwide. North Africa
As Syrian army closes in, Douma residents turn against rebels Douma’s residents protested against Jaish al-Islam for monopolizing food supplies to the Damascene suburb, while Syrian government forces edge closer to retaking the rebel stronghold. Syria
Turkish government, military at odds over Gulenists Turkey’s military is back in the headlines, but this time as an “injured party,” defending itself against allegations of Gulenist soldiers in its ranks. Turkey
Sanctions talk heats up after second extension to Iran talks Lawmakers are making the case for a new round of sanctions in a Republican-controlled Congress. Iran
Israeli mayor responds to racism charge In an interview with Al-Monitor, Ashkelon Mayor Itamar Shimoni argues that the decision to halt work by Arab Israeli construction workers in his city was intended only to allay tensions, saying, "I believe that Arab Israelis are part of us." Israel
Freedom Square offers refuge for Basra residents Basra residents are finding respite in Hurriyah Square, where they can sit and talk freely without militias imposing their strict Islamic rules. Iraq
Russia's Middle East policy after the G-20 summit Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, ever skeptical of US intentions, elaborates on Russia's policies in the Middle East — and risks alienating the West. Palestine
How rumors hurt the Palestinian cause Publishing rumors about the death of a Palestinian bus driver is damaging the credibility of the Palestinian press, delegitimizing the legitimate claims of the Palestinian people and fanning the flames of hatred. Palestine
Will terror attacks revive issue of splitting Jerusalem? The Israeli right has long accused the left of intending to divide Jerusalem in a future agreement with the Palestinians, but with continuing unrest in the city the ruling right wing must also face the possibility of a separation. Palestine
