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
Tourism is Lebanon’s biggest missed opportunity A new report highlights the wasted potential of the tourism sector in Lebanon. Lebanon
Hamas takes Israeli threats seriously Hamas is paying close attention to Israel's latest threats of military retaliation and a possible re-invasion of Gaza. Palestine
Foreign journalists accuse Hamas of SMS threats Hamas officials deny they had anything to do with the messages allegedly sent by the party's military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades. Palestine
Archive Upfront from Mar 27, 2014 Syrian Kurds, rebels find common enemy in ISIS Bitter enemies less than a year ago, the Kurdish Democratic Union Party and the Free Syrian Army are cooperating to fight the extremist Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham. Syria
Iraq-Saudi ties need strategic context While Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has accused Saudi Arabia of supporting terrorist groups, Baghdad should instead work on establishing effective channels of communication to cooperate in anti-terror efforts. Saudi Arabia
The incitement paradox While Israel complains about Palestinian incitement, the political class pays tribute to IDF warrior Meir Har-Zion, omitting mention of his responsibility for the death of four Bedouin youths in 1955. Palestine
Netanyahu, Danon battle for future of Likud In an interview with Al-Monitor, Likud Central Committee Chairman Danny Danon challenges Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu openly, orchestrating internal changes within the party to strengthen the settlers' wing. Palestine
ISIS shifts tactics in Fallujah Local fighters in Fallujah opting for reconciliation with the Iraqi government may have forced the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) to change strategy. Iraq
Egypt seeks extradition of Brotherhood members Egypt is expanding security cooperation with Arab states to hand over Muslim Brotherhood officials, including those exiled in Doha. Legacy: Gulf
Jenin and Nablus refugee camps: enclaves of fear The dire economic situation, coupled with disappointment in the Palestinian Authority, have turned West Bank refugee camps into enclaves of violence, led by armed youths from various organizations. Palestine
Israeli defense minister closes debate on US security plan Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon has rejected the US security plan for the West Bank. Palestine
ISIS emerges as threat to Turkey Most Turks would prefer that Ankara step back from its current Syria policies and distance itself from any support for jihadist groups. Syria
