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
The Islamic State is here to stay Unlike al-Qaeda, the Islamic State has been able to institutionalize jihad, thus guaranteeing its survival. Iraq
Israeli security defends Abbas Israeli security apparatus agrees with the political echelon that Mahmoud Abbas incites the Palestinian street over Temple Mount, but argues that Abbas maintains security cooperation with Israel and condemns terror attacks. Palestine
Islamic State in Sinai poses threat to Hamas Despite Hamas denials, Islamic State cells exist in the Gaza Strip, and its declaration of a state in the Sinai may accelerate its expansion as Hamas’ grip on Gaza loosens. Palestine
Turkish military support to Afghanistan rises While most countries are downsizing their military assistance to Afghanistan, Turkey is offering more military support and training. Turkey
Could Israel’s policies pave way for an intifada? Israel’s systematic marginalization of Palestinian residents in Jerusalem and its separation of them from the Palestinian Authority are recreating the ingredients for an uprising. Palestine
'Conflict freeze' desperately needed in Aleppo Residents of Aleppo are losing patience with the hardships the war has brought and want an end to the conflict that has ruined their city and their lives. Syria
EU ministers discuss jihadist travel to Syria, border security While the G6 meeting of interior ministers on Nov. 6 focused on jihadists traveling from Europe to Syria via Turkey, the European Parliament is considering putting in place more stringent security checks and travel restrictions. Iraq
Security expert: Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis 'gasping for breath' As Egyptian terrorist group Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis swore allegiance to the Islamic State, several Egyptian security experts dismissed its significance, citing strong gains by the army against the Sinai-based group. Egypt
Jews, Arabs use religion as tool to escalate conflict The murders at the Bnei Torah Kehillat Yaakov synagogue in Jerusalem are yet another sign of both sides in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict adding religious elements to the territorial dispute. Palestine
Islamic State pledge in Sinai raises stakes for Egypt Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis’ decision to declare allegiance to the Islamic State undercuts President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s efforts to reassure the Egyptian public that his government is winning the war on terror in the Sinai Peninsula. Egypt
Davutoglu's wishful thinking Remarks by Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu that US President Barack Obama is coming around to Ankara’s position on Syria are not supported by statements from Washington. Syria
Following synagogue attack, Netanyahu, Abbas must meet With the latest wave of suicide attacks in Jerusalem, Israel faces a security situation that cannot be solved by building fences like the separation wall. Palestine
