The Takeaway: Would Hamas complicate US plans for reset with Palestinians? Also: the back story on the spat between Israel and Jordan; Gulf post-COVID economic trends; Turkey’s Kurds; Egypt and Somalia; and more! Originals
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
Palestinians receive first batch of vaccines through COVAX More than 60,000 doses of the AstraZeneca and Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines arrived in Ramallah on Wednesday. Palestine
Rouhani suggests direct public vote to end political gridlock Iranian President Hassan Rouhani proposes referendum to decide path forward for Iran. Iran
Iran, Azerbaijan warm up ties after years of frost While Iran and Azerbaijan have had relatively chilly relations in past decades, the two neighbors finally appear to be on the path to closer ties. Iran
Turkey's new nationalism paints West as oppressor A new report by an American think tank suggests that the nationalism sweeping Turkey is an old and successful tactic of promoting a siege mentality that translates to tight control and votes for authoritarian leaders. Turkey
US, Turkey could be on collision course in Syria Neither side is backing down as Ankara and Washington exchange tough talk over potential confrontations in Syria. Syria
Israeli Arab lawmakers launch response to Jewish state bill Amid claims that the Nationality law would secure Israel's position as the state of the Jewish people at the expense of its democratic values, Israeli Arab lawmakers are advancing a democracy bill for equal rights. Palestine
Turkey's quest for EU visa waiver more likely to cause strife than progress Turkey has renewed efforts to get a visa waiver from the European Union, but the move could result in fresh tensions, as many in Europe remain incensed over Ankara’s human rights record. Turkey
Global spy malware traced back to Lebanese security A recent report revealed that a malware campaign was mainly being operated by Lebanon's General Directorate of General Security, raising questions about the privacy of the country's citizens. Lebanon
Long-awaited bankruptcy law sparks optimism in Egypt The Egyptian parliament passed a new bankruptcy law to regulate the restructuring of viable but troubled companies, in a move experts say will boost the economy. Egypt
Egypt opposition still far from unity to challenge regime While Egypt's opposition forces face common challenges, they still lack impetus to forge an alliance against the government due to several ideological and personal differences. Egypt
Is the sun setting on KDP-PUK dominance in Iraqi Kurdistan? Poverty, widespread disillusionment and the emergence of new political players could spell the beginning of a new political era in Iraqi Kurdistan. Iraq
Will removal of Egypt's spy chief leave Palestinians in a bind? Some Palestinians are concerned that the dismissal of the head of the Egyptian intelligence will affect Egypt's ability to mediate their ongoing reconciliation process. Palestine
Israeli duo takes street art to museums Street artists Nitzan Mintz and Dede, partners in life and art, have taken their artworks from the street to museums and galleries. Israel
