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
Is Iraq turning into a drug-producing country? In a critical development, several plants for producing drugs have been found in Iraq’s cities. Iraq
International oil companies pull out of Kurdistan Giant oil companies are withdrawing from oil and gas exploration in Iraqi Kurdistan due to the drop in oil prices and contractual problems with the regional government. Iraq
In Lebanon's Tripoli, culture defeats youth radicalization The northern Lebanese city of Tripoli, known for its violent neighborhood clashes and terrorist attacks, is home to several civil and cultural initiatives that work with youth to eliminate radical thought. Lebanon
Palestinian startups are all about building community On the heels of an entrepreneurship conference in Jordan, three female Palestinian entrepreneurs have launched startups that aim to educate and empower young Palestinians. Palestine
Can Egypt’s security stop terrorist attacks by small groups? A series of assassinations and assassination attempts have been targeting Egypt’s security forces and were claimed by the newly established Hasm movement, which calls for the fall of Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s regime. Egypt
Iranian Reformists slam exiled dissidents over letter to Trump The penning of a letter to US President-elect Donald Trump by Iranian dissidents has led conservatives in Tehran to attack Reformists. United States
Erdogan accuses US, West of supporting terrorists in Syria Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused some partners in the coalition fighting the Islamic State of arming the fanatical group as well as Syrian Kurds. Syria
Bedouin woman battles genetic diseases in Israel's Negev Israeli Bedouin doctor establishes a foundation that collects data and educates young Israeli Bedouin couples about genetic illnesses that occur because of marriages among family members. Israel
Russia scores diplomacy points by mentoring Kazakhstan on Mideast As the United States appears to be slipping out of the Middle East diplomacy picture, Russia is sharing the spotlight with its ally Kazakhstan in Syrian negotiations. Syria
Israelis sick of politicians' hot air as housing bubble expands Both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon had no business promising to lower housing prices and there is no solution in sight. Israel
Is Gaza seaport construction on its way? Gaza residents are hoping that the small fishing port being constructed near Khan Yunis will one day be transformed into a real commercial sea port. Palestine
Turkey demands US support for its operation in Syria Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused Washington of not providing air support to Turkish forces in al-Bab and of supporting the Islamic State instead. Syria
