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
Syrian Kurds seek relief from plummeting pound The depreciation of the Syrian pound is so bad that Qamishli residents are struggling to buy basic goods, when available, and is forcing some to leave in search of financial stability. Syria
Liberman accused of double standards on drafting ultra-Orthodox A report on ultra-Orthodox exemptions from military service while top politician Avigdor Liberman served as defense minister has raised serious questions about his campaign to increase their enlistment. Israel
What brought Iranian forces to Idlib front? A number of developments, including Turkey's greater involvement in Syria and the US assassination of Iranian Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, may be driving Iran's move to get more involved in Idlib battlefield operations. Syria
Turkey says dozens killed in clashes with Syrian troops Turkey shelled some 50 Syrian government targets after its soldiers came under attack in Idlib province in fighting that threatens to drag Turkey deeper into the prolonged conflict and undermine its relations with Russia. Syria
Algeria battles larger countries to vie for leading role in Libya peace process Algeria is seeking to recover its diplomatic role in the region, by pushing for a political solution in Libya and condemning foreign interference in its affairs. Egypt
Syrian mercenaries fight Turkey’s battles in Libya Though the Free Syrian Army denies it has sent fighters to Libya, hundreds of Syrian fighters are now in Libya after being lured by high salaries. Syria
Turkish-Russian alignment in Syria faces moment of truth The escalating offensives of Russian-backed regime forces in Idlib are changing the military picture in the whole of northwestern Syria, putting Russian-Turkish ties to a serious test. Syria
Putin’s thin red lines in Syria rattle Erdogan Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan still has limited options in the wake of Syria's retaking of a key town in Idlib province. Syria
US to boost Egyptian air defenses despite congressional anger The Trump administration plans to provide Egypt with excess military equipment even as members of Congress seek sanctions against the country over the death of a US citizen. Egypt
Syrian Kurdish center sets out to defang 'cubs of the caliphate' Former Islamic State child soldiers who are being reeducated at a Kurdish center face an uncertain future. Syria
Turkey's hands tied as Syrian army makes gains in Idlib Behind its strong condemnations, Turkey is quietly accepting the new status quo in and around Idlib. Syria
East Jerusalem, lacking local leaders to face daily problems, continues on edge Successive incidents in East Jerusalem are keeping the 350,000 Palestinians on edge as there seems to be no process that can lead to fill the leadership vacuum in the city. Israel
