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
Culture Alert: October dominated by film festivals in Middle East A number of film festivals, from short films to documentaries, take place in Beirut, Tehran, Haifa and Istanbul throughout October — where many of the regional countries’ nominees for Oscars will be screened. Israel
Refugee caterers bring taste of Syria to Cairo A group of Syrian women refugees have opened a catering service in Cairo to make ends meet, and Egyptians are relishing their efforts. Egypt
Hamas promotes ties with Moscow Hamas’ visit to Moscow raises questions about the movement’s objectives and about Russia’s increased influence in the Middle East and in the Palestinian arena. Palestine
Two dozen of Egypt's Nubians arrested for protesting, face hearing Nubians continue to be arrested at peaceful protests as they demand the right to return to their historical region in Egypt, further shedding light on the marginalization they suffer from the regime. Egypt
Kurdish referendum a double-edged sword for Russia Although Russia says it respects Iraqi Kurds' desire for self-determination, their independence is probably not in Russia's best interest. Iraq
Does Istanbul mayor's ouster spell AKP shakeup? Istanbul's mayor, a member of the Justice and Development Party, has appeared on post-coup Turkey's chopping block as the ruling party works to revitalize its base and prominent members jockey for the jobs. Turkey
Iran abandons hope for WTO accession Although many thought Iran might finally be able to join the World Trade Organization following the nuclear deal, the Islamic Repubic appears to have lost hope of becoming part of the influential body. Iran
Thousands turn out in Iran for burial of soldier beheaded by IS An Iranian soldier who was killed in Syria in August received a large public funeral in Iran. Iran
Saudi driving decree first step in needed changes The royal decree allowing women to drive in Saudi Arabia comes at a time when the country is facing increasing international pressure, especially over its war in Yemen. Saudi Arabia
Egyptian doctors moonlight as chefs A new restaurant created by Egyptian doctors is decorated like an emergency room and serves liver dishes cooked with surgical precision. Egypt
Why IDF chief commuted Hebron shooter's sentence IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot commuted the sentence of Hebron shooter Elor Azaria, not as a sign of pardon but for Israeli society to heal. Palestine
Will Jewish archive return to Iraq? The United States is preparing to return a Jewish archive to Iraq, but Iraq does not appear ready to receive it, and many want it to remain outside the country. Iraq
