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
Will state of Palestine be Obama's legacy? Some observers are urging that President Barack Obama allow a vote in favor of recognizing the state of Palestine at the UN Security Council before leaving office. Palestine
How NGOs are helping preserve Syria’s heritage Syria’s archaeological sites have suffered great damage, but many organizations are striving to protect what remains, each in its own way. Syria
How Gaza's female filmmakers rebel against reality The Women's Affairs Center in the Gaza Strip held a women's film festival where viewers watched short productions that tackled bold subjects. Palestine
Just how much can Lebanon change under Aoun? Lebanese President Michel Aoun’s plans for economic and political reform will face numerous challenges including endemic corruption and his own limited powers. Lebanon
Will the Knesset silence call to prayer? Israeli legislators are advancing a bill to ban calls to prayer at mosques via loudspeakers. Israel
Thousands of civilians at risk in Mosul crossfire Civilian casualties are mounting during the Mosul operation, as thousands of people are stuck on the battlefield. Iraq
Archive Upfront from Nov 11, 2016 What Netanyahu wants from Trump Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already started preparing his first meeting with President-elect Donald Trump in order to persuade him to embrace his two-state rejectionist position. Israel
House rushes to block Boeing sales to Iran The Rules Committee will set up floor action on the measure on Monday. Congress
Egypt's 50-year-old female triathlon athlete blazes a trail for women A middle-aged Egyptian woman finishes the Ironman Barcelona triathlon and has many other goals, including running in next year's Boston Marathon. Egypt
Why Egypt's Sisi welcomes Trump win While Egypt's president and his supporters have welcomed the election of Donald Trump, the country's liberals and pro-democracy activists aren't as pleased. Egypt
Ankara denies torture accusations as prisons fill with dissenters There has been an alarming spike in allegations of ill-treatment and torture in Turkish prisons, and although the claims are backed by a damning EU Commission report, Turkish journalists are scarcely covering the story for fear of their own detention. Turkey
Could Trump’s victory become opportunity for Iran? Iranian commentators and political analysts view Trump’s victory with caution and doubt in regard to its implications for the international order. United States
