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
Exclusive: Abu Zaida talks on his removal from Fatah In an interview with Al-Monitor, Sufian Abu Zaida, expelled from Fatah, defines Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas as a "dictator," while criticizing Israel's objection to the unity government, saying it offers Israel both security cooperation and recognition. Palestine
Syria confident of Russian military support In an interview with Al-Monitor in Damascus, a senior Syrian official said the Syrian war would end like the Algerian one, with the state defeating the terrorists and staying in power. Syria
Maliki’s call for unity conference in Anbar may be too late Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki recently called for a conference to solve the Anbar crisis, which might be futile if the tribal and political differences are not settled first. Iraq
Syrian coast attracts Aleppans displaced by war Thousands of mostly Sunnis from Aleppo fleeing the violence in their city have found work, and little discrimination, on the Alawite-dominated Syrian coast. Syria
Gaza travel agencies offer false hope of emigration Several travel agencies in the Gaza Strip are taking part in illegal emigration, often taking thousands of dollars from would-be Palestinian emigrants who risk their lives to reach Europe. Palestine
Yemen forces take lead in battle with al-Qaeda Yemeni forces have taken charge in the latest offensive against al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, winning the support of the public. Yemen
Liberman outlines vision for 'regional arrangement' with Arab states Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman offers a plan for open contacts with "moderate" Arab states to deal with the threat from Iran and in pursuit of an agreement with the Palestinians. Saudi Arabia
Palestinians find respite from siege at Gaza’s ancient port Once an ancient trading hub, Gaza’s port now serves as a popular recreational location for local Palestinians wishing to forget the woes of living under siege. Palestine
Saudi Arabia shifts to more assertive defense doctrine The kingdom is considering how to more effectively project its role and power in the region to compensate for the decline of Western influence. Saudi Arabia
Hamas leaders say reconciliation no substitute for 'resistance' Hamas is relieved to be free of the burden of government, and is eager to repair the damage with the Palestinian street. Palestine
Libya, my failing country Returning to Libya after three years, the author finds a mostly hopeless population desperate for security and stability. Libya
Syrian official: 'West will deal with us as a fait accompli' With presidential elections in Syria scheduled for June 3, a Syrian official says, "Turkey will suffer greatly from its involvement against us." Near East
