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
Can Saudi Withdrawal From Security Council Spark Dialogue? While unfortunate, the withdrawal of Saudi Arabia from the UN Security Council may focus attention on the lack of an Arab voice at the UN. Saudi Arabia
Haniyeh Discusses Hamas Ties With Egypt, Iran in Speech Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh’s speech over the weekend in Gaza omits reference to an imminent confrontation with Israel. Palestine
Turkish Intelligence ChiefBoth Iconoclast and Target Hakan Fidan, Turkey’s highly intellectual and pro-West intelligence chief, has drawn a lot of attention and criticism as the architect of the peace process with the PKK. Turkey
In switch, Egypt may join Ethiopia in Nile Dam project In a surprising move, Egypt said that it will consider participating with Ethiopia in the construction of the Renaissance Dam, which it had staunchly opposed. Egypt
Is Saudi Arabia Holding Up The Geneva II Conference on Syria? While Turkey may be shifting its Syria policy in response to domestic and international pressure, Saudi Arabia appears to be digging in to oppose the trend toward a diplomatic solution. Saudi Arabia
Is Libi’s Al-Qaeda Manual A Blueprint for Arab Spring? The famous “Manchester Manual” of captured al-Qaeda operative Abu Anas al-Libi reveals more about jihadist intentions for “apostate” Arab regimes than Western targets. Pan Arab
Iranians Look for ChangeIn US Policies Iranians express mixed reactions to developments in US-Iran relations. Iran
Syria Crisis Sidelines Iraq While the world focuses on Syria, Iraq endures daily carnage and a security situation that is spiraling out of control. Iraq
Iran’s Zarif on Nuclear Proposal: Secrecy Is Sign of Seriousness Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif dismisses reports about the contents of Iran’s latest nuclear proposal. Iran
Saudi Arabia Deepens Its Isolation The kingdom’s rejection of UN Security Council seat does not convey more proactive foreign policy. Legacy: Gulf
Yemen Plagued by Assassinations Yemen has witnessed a recent increase in assassinations, including some carried out by terrorist groups and others with political motivations. Yemen
Jihadist Websites Linked to Syria Thriving on Internet The rise of Islamist groups in Syria’s civil war has shed light on the proliferation of extremist ideologies and communication via discrete Internet networks. Iraq
