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
China seeks to buy Israeli food company With no proper regulation or restrictions to safeguard Israeli national interests, China multiplies its efforts at taking over leading Israeli companies in the food, insurance and high-tech sectors. Israel
AIPAC sets 'guidelines' for Iran nuclear deal AIPAC, the American Israel Political Action Committee, makes the case for congressional pressure on Iran. Palestine
New Lebanese government must deal with terror While the partnership between Hezbollah and the Future Movement in the new Lebanese government is good start, to be truly successful, they must directly address terrorism together. Lebanon
Another sensational scandal rocks Turkey Pro-government dailies are reporting a massive wiretapping scandal. Turkey
Iraq's failing state institutions The Iraqi government appoints state officials on the basis of politics rather than competence, something that has led to many state projects failing without anyone being held accountable. Iraq
After Acre blast, fears of vigilantism Following an alleged act of sabotage that led to the explosion of a residential building, killing five, the city of Acre is trying to keep one of Israel’s most important tourist destinations calm. Israel
Ultra-Orthodox draft law defuses Israel's 'existential threat' The ultra-Orthodox draft law proposes a gradual enlistment process, which will not lead to an equal sharing of the burden, but will help the ultra-Orthodox overcome the obstacles between them and the modern world. Israel
German rapper, now jihadist still alive in Syria Deso Dogg, aka Abu Talha al-Almani, was thought to have been killed in an airstrike, but recent videos reveal that he is alive and active among jihadists in Syria. Syria
Military escalation will add to Syrian catastrophe The remilitarization of the Syrian conflict as sophisticated weapons are sent to opposition forces means more violence, including the return of fighting to areas that have achieved cease-fires. Syria
Al-Qaeda-linked group exploits ISIS decline in Aleppo A recent field study in Aleppo finds Jabhat Al-Nusra and other "Islamic brigades" have benefited from the brutal tactics and unpopularity of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). Syria
Bombings renew fears in Beirut’s southern suburbs Although the Lebanese in general, and the residents of Beirut’s southern suburbs in particular, felt relieved after security breakthroughs and arrests, their fears have been renewed since the Feb. 19 twin attacks in Bir Hassan. Lebanon
Gaza hackers prepare for next assault on Israel A group of Palestinian hackers in Gaza talk to Al-Monitor about their cyberwar against Israel. Palestine
