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
Turkey's Christians fear possible hate campaign An aggressive campaign against Christmas and New Year’s festivities in Turkey last month, including the circumcision of Santa Claus, has sparked fears that deadly attacks on Christians may begin anew. Turkey
Chechnya's silent diplomacy in the Middle East Russia is working to turn domestic challenges into opportunity. Turkey
Special tribunal may foreshadow agreement on Lebanon government Various domestic and regional developments, most notably the first session of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon to be held this week, could be the necessary spark for Lebanese factions to finally agree on a government. Lebanon
Israel in search of a leader Israeli Defense Minister Moshe "Bogie" Ya’alon tries, and fails, to pick up the mantle of Sharon. Israel
Hakim launches political initiative to resolve Anbar crisis A new initiative by Ammar al-Hakim may succeed in solving the Anbar crises because it relies on more than security measures. Iraq
Netanyahu's puzzling settlement strategy Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to publish construction tenders, whether real or not, is likely to frustrate US policy-makers. Palestine
Sharon's legacy: Only death is irreversible The late Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's legacy, including the disengagement from Gaza, was designed to hinder an agreement with the Palestinians in the West Bank. Palestine
Palestinians in Gaza celebrate Sharon's death While many Palestinians in Gaza are glad to see Sharon pass, several factions have expressed disappointment at the Israeli leader's dying without facing justice for crimes committed. Palestine
Islamic Front no answer for Syria conflict The ascendance of the Islamic Front, while contributing to the recent military defeats of the Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham (ISIS), may also be a setback for Geneva II and a political solution to the conflict. Syria
For Russia, terrorism priority at Syria conference US-Russian cooperation will be key to success at Geneva II. Legacy: Gulf
Will Iran postpone FM's visit to Beirut? In light of developments across the Middle East, there are signs that Iran might postpone an upcoming visit by Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to Beirut. Lebanon
Slow but steady escalation between Gaza, Israel The growing economic crisis in the Gaza Strip and frustration over Hamas' rule play into the hands of small jihadist terror organizations, which fire at Israel and destabilize the status quo. Palestine
