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 give and take with EU on visa policy Ankara has started uphill talks with the EU on visa-free travel for Turkish citizens in return for agreeing to take back immigrants who illegally enter the EU via Turkey. Turkey
Terrorism continues to shake Lebanon’s security The Salafist jihadist current has been on the rise in Lebanon as a result of the Syrian conflict. Lebanon
Whatever happened to the Arab Spring? Three years on, the old Arab order remains and the democratic transition is still distant. Pan Arab
Syrian Kurds jockey for seat at Geneva talks As long as the Assad regime and the opposition fail to come to an agreement, Syria’s Kurds will continue to consolidate their gains. Iraq
No Israeli-Palestinian peace without Gaza US officials are engaged in wishful thinking if they believe that Israel only needs to reach a peace agreement with Abu Mazen. Palestine
Winter storm causes humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza A winter storm has exacerbated the crises facing the Gaza Strip, which was already suffering from sewage problems and electricity cuts. Palestine
Netanyahu faces next decision of his life Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may be Israel’s weakest politician but its strongest leader. Palestine
Fate of Maaloula nuns hangs over gathering of region's Christians A conference in Harissa, north of Beirut, will discuss the dangers faced by the region’s Christians, especially as a result of the Syrian war. Qatar
Rise of Islamic Front a disaster for Syria The ascendance of the Islamic Front threatens a political transition in Syria; Lebanon paralyzed by Syria conflict; Farea al-Muslimi named FP Leading Global Thinker. Saudi Arabia
US, Turkey to rethink Syria policies For starters, the United States and Turkey need to change their approaches to the Syrian Kurdish Democratic Union Party. Saudi Arabia
PFLP seeks return to prominence in Palestinian affairs In an unprecedented move in Palestinian politics, the PFLP's leadership has resigned to pave the way for younger activists to rejuvenate the party. Palestine
Egypt's legitimacy test Instead of voting on the constitution, Egyptians will most likely vote on the legitimacy and direction of the military-backed interim government and their confidence in the road map presented by Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Egypt
