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 returns to balance in Baghdad, KRG ties Turkey is flirting with Baghdad while dancing with Erbil. Iraq
Syrian Alawites hope for change in Turkey Syrian Alawite refugees face discrimination and hardship in Turkey. Syria
Netanyahu government 'Israelizes' east Jerusalem While the idea of two capitals for two states is being discussed between the Israeli and Palestinian delegations, Jerusalem's mayor and the government promote building plans in east Jerusalem. Palestine
Disaster response team boosts Israel's image abroad A Home Front Command unit that spent the past few years providing assistance in disaster areas around the world has become the most effective tool in the battle over Israel’s image worldwide. Israel
Up close and personal with Hamas' Mourabitoun unit In an exclusive, Al-Monitor gained rare access to one of Hamas' most reputable brigades, the Mourabitoun, which are likely to play a lead role in any future confrontation with Israel. Palestine
Some Iraqis remain in Damascus despite war Many Iraqis who live in Syria prefer to stay despite the war, because they consider the killings in Baghdad to be more "random." Iraq
Syrian Kurdish Party declares transitional government The move by the Democratic Union Party (PYD) is opposed by Turkey and the Syrian National Coalition. Syria
Iran and the two Genevas There is widespread understanding that a nuclear deal on Iran will facilitate progress on Syria. Saudi Arabia
Syrian civil society pushes for role at Geneva II Any peace process on Syria should not remain the exclusive domain of armed belligerents responsible for destroying the country, argue Syrian civil society activists. Syria
Russia's Iran policy in transition Russia is likely to benefit from an agreement between the P5+1 and Iran. Syria
Iran's low-key reaction to bugging of supreme leader Iran's response to reports that the US National Security Agency bugged Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a trip to the Kurdistan region of Iran in 2009 has been relatively muted and has not affected Iran's position on negotiations with the P5+1. Iran
The cost of Netanyahu's campaign against an Iran deal Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's opposition to an Iranian nuclear deal has a cost in US-Israel relations. Israel
