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
Senate holds off on new Iran sanctions US President Barack Obama’s meeting with congressional leaders offers a reprieve from the Senate moving ahead with sanctions legislation on Iran, at least until December. Iran
Young Egyptians reclaim Tahrir Square, trash monument Young Egyptian revolutionaries express their frustration with Egypt’s past and present rulers. Egypt
Egypt marks another grim anniversary under military rule Egyptian activists lament the lack of progress since the clashes of November 2011. Egypt
Iran Embassy bombing: Repeat of Iraqi model in Lebanon? The suicide bombing targeting the Iranian Embassy in Beirut on Nov. 19 shows that al-Qaeda has established both tactical and ideological cells in Lebanon. Lebanon
Lebanon enters 'third stage' of suicide bombings Tuesday’s suicide attack on the Iranian Embassy in Beirut represents a new stage of violence in Lebanon, with Lebanese citizens targeting their compatriots at home. Israel
Israel, Egypt, Gulf fear US betrayal Israel has become part of an unexpected alliance with the Gulf countries, Egypt and Jordan, all disappointed by the US administration's lack of Middle East understanding. Egypt
Turkey’s Alevi question The government of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is seeking to heal old wounds with Turkey’s Alevi community, while stepping back from sectarian regional policies. Iraq
Libya slips into chaos Western governments have underestimated Libya's instability, according to the minister in the United Kingdom's Foreign Commonwealth Office responsible for the region. Libya
Syrian government and opposition jockey ahead of Geneva II As preparations continue for the Geneva II conference, both the Syrian opposition and the regime seem increasingly divided over their respective positions on the talks. Syria
Syrian Baath militia commander goes rags-to-riches The civil war has enabled a few military-minded individuals to make significant profits off the misery of millions of Syrians. Syria
AKP, Gulen community in open war The war between the AKP and its former de facto partner, the Gulen community, is heating up amid reports of government plans to shut prep schools, a sector where Gulenists are hugely influential. Turkey
Turkey backing off support for jihadists on Syria border Turkey’s fading support for Syria’s jihadists is a boon for the PYD; Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu tells Al-Monitor Ankara never aided al-Qaeda-affiliated groups. Syria
