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
Syrian Kurdish mother killed at Turkish border The killing of Saadet Dervis of Rojava by Turkish soldiers in front of her children while trying to cross the border into Syria has led to new scrutiny of Turkey’s Syria policy. Syria
Shopping for guns in Sadr City In Baghdad's Sadr City neighborhood, a weapons market opens its doors every night to tribesmen who buy all kinds of arms, while the government claims to be unaware of the situation. Iraq
Gaza Salafists expect pressure from unity government Gaza’s Salafists do not expect any change from a unity Palestinian government, noting that Hamas will remain in control of security in the Gaza Strip and will keep up the pressure on their movements. Palestine
Lebanon approaches presidential deadline If Lebanon’s parliament fails to elect a president by the constitutionally stipulated deadline of midnight on May 24, the ensuing vacuum could further exacerbate the already tense situation in the country. Lebanon
Would PUK cut separate deal with Maliki? The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) did well in the Iraqi national elections, and may be flirting with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to strengthen its hand in Iraqi Kurdish politics. Iraq
Turkey locked in regional rivalry with Iran, Saudi Arabia Differences over Egypt and Syria are far from resolved, despite some feints at strengthening regional cooperation. Saudi Arabia
Egyptian graffiti artists protest Sisi Renowned Egyptian graffiti artist Ganzeer has protested military rule on the walls of the streets of Cairo, drawing attacks from media supporting military leader and presidential candidate Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Egypt
Israel adjusts to Syrian insurgents on Golan border Israel is assessing the consequences and contingencies for dealing with Syrian insurgents on its northern border and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's holding on to power. Israel
Are Greeks returning to Turkey? Ankara’s softening minority policies have encouraged several Greek families to return to their native lands in Turkey, but a genuine reconciliation requires farther-reaching steps. Turkey
Maliki got election assist from Anbar crisis Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki skillfully used the Anbar crisis to deepen the sense of collective danger among Shiite voters. Iraq
Iranian analyst: 'Who entrusted Iran with destroying Israel?' For the second time on national media, outspoken analyst Sadegh Zibakalam has publicly criticized Iran’s rhetoric on Israel. Iran
Islamic extremism on rise in Jordan The Islamists in Jordan are growing stronger, which is linked to the war in Syria. Jordan
