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
What’s behind Hezbollah’s safe zone project in Syria's Qalamoun? A Hezbollah deal that is reportedly being discussed with the Syrian opposition for the repatriation of Syrian refugees into safe zones in Syria would face steep hurdles in negotiating with the Lebanese government. Syria
Turkey still determined to play role in final Raqqa assault Will a Turkish-sponsored army of 50 Arab tribes actually materialize in Syria, or is Turkey just rattling its saber regarding the Raqqa offensive? Syria
Killer's release highlights fragile Jordan-Israel 'cold peace' The release of Jordanian Ahmed Daqamseh, who served 20 years in prison for killing seven Israeli schoolgirls in 1997, has split the public despite the enduring strength of its animosity for Israel. Palestine
Inside Gaza’s 'recycled library' A group of students, in partnership with Al Nayzak Organization, helped establish a library in Gaza, made up of recycled items and used books, to encourage reading among Palestinians. Palestine
Will IS find popular base in Palestine? Israel is increasingly arresting Palestinians over accusations of belonging to the Islamic State, which raises questions about IS’ presence in the Palestinian territories. Palestine
Are Turkey's big businesses breaking with AKP? A businesses' commercial to celebrate International Women’s Day may be a troubling sign for the AKP and the upcoming constitutional referendum. Turkey
Gaza receives first batch of construction trucks in 10 years The Egyptian authorities allowed for dozens of trucks carrying construction materials to enter the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing, as part of its openness policy toward the small enclave that has been besieged by Israel since 2007. Palestine
Will Bahrain use military trials against Shiite leader's supporters? Bahrain recently amended its constitution to expand military courts' jurisdiction, perhaps in anticipation of fiery protests once a verdict is announced in the trial of Sheikh Isa Qassim. Bahrain
Can American PR companies improve Egypt's image in US? Egypt's intelligence agency has contracted with US public relations and lobbying firms to improve the Egyptian government's image in the United States, but will simple window dressing be enough? Egypt
Ancient palace emerges from under Mosul shrine destroyed by IS The Islamic State's destruction of the prophet Yunus' shrine in Mosul has revealed the Assyrian palace long thought to be beneath it. Iraq
Israel weighs response to Hezbollah rocket threat For now, deterrence holds on Israel’s northern border; Iran ready to "fight to the last man" in Syria; Why does Erdogan go easy on Putin over Syrian Kurds? Israel
Cairo film festival seeks to empower female filmmakers The Cairo International Women’s Film Festival is in its 10th year and celebrates the cinematic work of Egyptian and international female filmmakers. Egypt
