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
Latest Iran poll suggests Trump rhetoric benefits hard-liners The new poll also highlights Iranians' preoccupation with corruption, unemployment and climate change. United States
MBS plans first US visit since becoming Saudi crown prince Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation is high on the agenda for the upcoming trip. Saudi Arabia
Turkey resumes pressure on US Consulate staff With the interrogation of another local US Consulate employee, Turkey appears to have broken its promise not to hound staff without notifying the American authorities in a move that could trigger targeted visa sanctions against Turkish officials deemed to be involved. Turkey
Abbas’ gift to Netanyahu The Palestinian refusal to return to the negotiating table with Israel to discuss a permanent solution to the conflict has freed Israel of its debt to the Americans for their recognition of Jerusalem. Palestine
Will Brexit jump-start Iran-UK trade? While bilateral trade has increased following the implementation of the nuclear deal, trade between Iran and Britain remains far below its potential. Iran
Rouhani urges government to listen to critics Iranian President Hassan Rouhani warned that voices of criticism must be heard and acknowledged for a government to be successful. Iran
Activists in Iraq try new tack: Effect change by not voting Iraqi political parties are trying to mobilize voters as calls for an election boycott gain steam. Iraq
Sisi touts victories for Egyptian women as election nears Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has made strides in politically empowering women in the past year and likely hopes the progress guarantees him a solid base of voters in the upcoming elections. Egypt
Securing Sinai airport comes at cost to locals President Sisi’s announcement to build a large safe zone around the El-Arish Airport in order for it to resume operations raised the ire of Sinai residents whose houses and lands would be destroyed in the process. Egypt
Egypt accuses Congress of raining on Sisi's parade Egyptian officials have reacted with anger to a US congressional resolution on the persecution of Copts in Egypt, laying blame on the Muslim Brotherhood and saying comments critical of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi ruined Jan. 25 celebrations. Egypt
Palestinian wiretap scandal raises ire, but no action so far The Palestinian Preventive Security Service is under fire for allegedly wiretapping citizens. Palestine
Anti-Hamas editorial exposes schism in Iran An Iranian newspaper has come out vehemently against support for Hamas just as Tehran and the movement are working to repair relations. Palestine
