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
Israeli Drones Haunt Gaza Israeli drones are a constant reality in Gaza, proving a major obstacle to armed factions while destroying Palestinian civilians' sense of security. Palestine
EU Official Says Iran 'Undoubtedly' Has New Approach to Nuclear Talks In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Pierre Vimont, deputy to High Representative Catherine Ashton, says it's “still rather difficult to conclude that they have presented a new policy.” Egypt
Creeping Settlements Undermine Peace Negotiations Israel's expanding settlements have not halted during the negotiations brought about by US Secretary of State John Kerry. Palestine
Israel's Release of Palestinian Prisoners: Deja Vu All Over Again The release of Palestinian prisoners by Israel seems to be settling into a routine; two more releases are to take place after this one. Palestine
Brahimi Talks Syria in Iran Lakhdar Brahimi, UN-Arab League joint representative, tries to enlist Iranian help in the Geneva II conference on Syria. Syria
Jordan’s Reform Agenda on Hold The crisis in Syria has been a catalyst for Jordan to focus on economic, not political, reform and security. Jordan
Algeria’s Failing State The announcement that President Abdelaziz Bouteflika will seek a fourth term offers little optimism for Algeria’s future. Business
Turkey-Lebanon Detainee Swap Shows Lebanese State's Decline Although the Lebanese rejoiced at the deal that secured the release of nine Lebanese detainees in Syria, the details of the swap reveal the Lebanese state’s inefficiency in dealing with such matters. Lebanon
Kurdish Rebels Ban Child Soldiers The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) has signed on to the Geneva Call’s initiative after three years of negotiation. Syria
Al-Qaeda Sets Sights On Iraq’s Anbar Province As al-Qaeda-affiliated groups expand their activities throughout Iraq, some believe they are eyeing Anbar province, where a “huge battle” could unfold in the near future. Iraq
Israel Looks Beyond the Region For Strategic Partners Confronted by a gloomy strategic environment, Israel has found new foreign policy partners in Azerbaijan, Greece and India. Israel
Turkey's Choice: Chinese Missile Defense Or NATO? If Turkey moves ahead with the purchase of a Chinese missile defense system, Ankara will be opting out of a NATO system. Turkey
