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
Can Iran moderates hold ground against US pressure? The US Congress vote to extend the Iran Sanctions Act has provoked harsh rhetoric in Tehran as well as a tempered response from decision-makers. United States
Is Iraqi government censoring media's military coverage? The Iraqi government is keeping an eye on media outlets and humanitarian organizations covering the battle of Mosul in order to prevent them from publishing false reports. Iraq
Will Egypt open embassy in Gaza? The renovation of an Egyptian consulate in the Gaza Strip has raised hopes of increased Egyptian engagement in Gaza as reports say Egypt has threatened Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas with moving the Egyptian Embassy from Ramallah to Gaza. Palestine
How a new generation of members could shake up Hamas A new generation of Hamas members is seeking election to the Shura Council to reshape and revitalize the movement. Palestine
Will Israel expand settlement to Jerusalem border? Israeli plans to expand the Ma’ale Adumim settlement and achieve territorial continuity all the way to Jerusalem might spark international uproar. Palestine
Democratic lawmakers slam Trump over Bahrain reception Manama critics on Capitol Hill assail decision to host independence celebration at president-elect's Washington hotel. Bahrain
Maestro turns Egyptian children in need into songbirds Egypt's Children's Choir helps give orphans and street kids new perspectives on life. Egypt
Iranian hard-liner alleges FM Zarif is American spy A prominent Iranian hard-liner accused Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif of being an American spy as anger toward the US and the Rouhani administration heats up. Iran
What Iran's presidential election means for Russia As Russia’s and Iran’s foreign policies become congruent, Russia looks to Iran’s 2017 elections for clues into their future relationship. Russia
What's at stake in Syria Al-Bab is the current focal point of complicated, interwoven developments unfolding in northern Syria. Syria
Why Erdogan wears the 'dictator' label with pride The winds of Trumpism have already reached Turkey, and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan finds being called a dictator acceptable. Turkey
Should Ankara be optimistic about relations with Trump? Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has expressed optimism about improved US-Turkish relations during a Trump administration. Syria
