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
Hamas leader stresses 'concessions' in reconciliation deal Some Hamas officials had hoped Khaled Meshaal would take a tougher stand on Fatah in his most recent speech, as Hamas members in the West Bank continue to be arrested despite the reconciliation deal. Palestine
Mofaz: 'Strategic situation worse' on Iran In an interview with Al-Monitor, former Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz argues that US over-involvement in Israeli-Palestinian talks only alienated both sides, and the only feasible solution is a two-stage agreement with the Palestinians, even while talking with Hamas. Palestine
Egypt tightens border security amid Libyan unrest Following former Gen. Khalifa Hifter’s campaign against armed Islamist groups in Libya, Egypt has partially closed its eastern border and is trying to avoid any negative repercussions of this unrest. Egypt
Saudi, UAE coordination signals differences with Qatar Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have formed a joint committee to coordinate their regional efforts, with Egypt and Libya topping the agenda. Saudi Arabia
Iran nuclear talks hit snag over sanctions Lifting US sanctions, as called for in the Joint Plan of Action, would eventually require dealing with Hezbollah. Lebanon
Israel-Egypt anti-terrorism cooperation at zenith Israel adapts to a new alliance structure based on common security interests, and in anticipation of a nuclear Middle East. Saudi Arabia
Iran official says nuclear file back with National Security Council According to a member of Iran's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, Iran’s nuclear file has been returned to the council by the Foreigh Ministry. Iran
Israel's defense budget means costs elsewhere Unlike late Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will likely once again give in to the terrifying annual intimidation campaign of the defense establishment eager to secure its budget. Israel
Rebels fight to prevent regime siege in Aleppo After successful sieges and truces in Damascus and Homs, all eyes turn to Aleppo, where rebels are trying to prevent the Syrian regime from imposing a similar siege. Syria
Misreading Syria The United States misjudged the ability of the Syrian army to evolve and adapt, with assistance from Hezbollah and Iran, leading to faulty predictions that Bashar al-Assad’s days were numbered. Syria
Algeria considers Egypt alliance to confront Libyan terror threat Algeria is alarmed at the rising security threat posed by radical jihadist groups in Libya. Egypt
Israel pushes West Bank toward economic disaster Turning the West Bank into the economic twin of the Gaza Strip will provoke new threats to Israel's security, which is why the US administration leans toward cooperating with the new Palestinian unity government. Palestine
