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
Erdogan briefs EU on ‘rule of judiciary’ danger During a trip to Brussels, Erdogan tells EU leaders about Gulenist activities in the judiciary, where the community wields huge influence, and explains his vision for Syria. Turkey
Turkey seals border against al-Qaeda Turkey has closed its gates after al-Qaeda captured three border crossings into northern Syria, with potential implications for armed groups operating in Syria. Syria
Palestinian Authority: Israel's security partner Israel and the Palestinian Authority share a common interest of fighting emerging al-Qaeda cells in the West Bank and the proliferation of global jihad. Palestine
Iraqi army declares its control of Khalidiya The Iraqi army declared that it has gained control of the Jazira area of Khalidiya, but maintaining that control will be a challenge. Iraq
SOC member Michel Kilo claims evidence of Assad links to ISIS In an exclusive interview, veteran Syrian opposition figure Michel Kilo tells Al-Monitor, "If Walid Moallem will talk about terrorism, he will receive a true lecture about terrorists." Syria
Obama's new problem: Turkey The Obama administration should not underestimate the depth of Turkey’s domestic crisis and its implications for US-Turkey ties. Syria
Moallem: Aleppo proposal a response to Kerry's call for local cease-fires In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Syrian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Walid Moallem said he proposed a plan for ending military operations in Aleppo last week in response to US Secretary of State John Kerry's appeal for a cease-fire there. Saudi Arabia
Special Tribunal offers hope for justice in Lebanon The Special Tribunal for Lebanon has the potential to set Lebanon on a course to becoming a more just country or an even more contentious one. Lebanon
Palestinian 'incitement': Israel’s usual last resort Incitement in the Palestinian Authority has not been measured to date by any valid research tool, and yet Israeli officials keep raising this claim whenever they run out of propaganda ammunition to justify their occupation and settlement activities. Palestine
Anbar war opens front on Facebook, Twitter As the battles in Anbar continue and sectarian tensions rise in Iraq, citizens from both sides have set up Facebook pages to gather supporters and present their views. Iraq
Nonsectarian citizens isolated in Iraq Amid increased sectarian tensions, those Iraqis who choose not to side with one sectarian group have found themselves targeted by many, including their own communities. Iraq
Israel recognizes Assad's staying power Israel shifts its strategic posture, recognizing that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is staying on and that a jihadist alternative would be even worse. Palestine
