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
The return of Turkey’s 'zero problems' policy Turkey rebuilds ties to Iran and Iraq and faces the realization that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad will likely be part of the transition in Syria. Iraq
Iraqi checkpoints provide little security In the ever-volatile Iraqi capital, many citizens fail to feel reassured by the hundreds of security checkpoints that mostly slow down daily life around the city. Iraq
Turkey mostly mum on chemicals seized on Syria border The latest chemical-seizure incident is drawing attention to lax control of Turkey’s border. Syria
Levant Christians consider threats to their communities During a gathering of Christian representatives from various Near East countries in Beirut, participants were divided when it came to determining their main enemy and strategies for the future. Yemen
The challenges of covering Syria Italian freelance journalist Andrea Glioti has covered Syria since the uprising began three years ago, dodging danger and border controls to get the story out. Syria
The tragedy of Palestinian revisionism The author responds to Linah Alsaafin, who called Acre a “city in northern Palestine.” Palestine
Time running out for Turkey-PKK peace process The AKP government’s stalling of required steps for peace and a political solution with the Kurds increases the likelihood of controlled violence. Turkey
How Netanyahu pushed Erekat into a corner The resignation of Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat reflects the disappointment within Palestinian public opinion following Israel's decision to continue settlement construction. Palestine
Israel traps Palestinians in negotiations with prisoner card Israel is using the release of Palestinian prisoners as a means to keep the Palestinians in peace talks that are going nowhere. Palestine
Three reasons for the Egypt-Russia rapprochement The warming in Egypt-Russia ties is linked to the ups and downs in the US-Egypt relationship. Egypt
Turkey-Iran Talks Can Begin To Defuse Syrian Tragedy Discussions between the foreign ministers of Turkey and Iran reflect a serious departure from the polarization; especially on Syria & between the two regional powers. Lebanon
Turkey’s Militant Left Treads On 'New' Roads With its roots in armed rebellion against the state, the Turkish and Kurdish militant left looks for ways of waging political battles under a new banner. Turkey
