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
Turkey’s new paradox The aftermath of the July 15 attempted coup has produced the most serious crisis and erosion the Turkish state has ever seen. Turkey
US Treasury official praises Saudi cooperation against terror funding Assistant Treasury Secretary Daniel Glaser says there has been substantial progress reducing funds amassed by the Islamic State, but warns that IS could seek external financing if it loses its "caliphate" in Iraq and Syria. Saudi Arabia
Where does Turkey's Erdogan stand on US presidential race? According to the Turkish president, former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton lacks political experience. Turkey
The Hifter effect on the battle for Libya's Sirte The expected liberation of Sirte in the near future is overshadowed by Khalifa Hifter, the commander of the Libyan National Army, steadily gaining power and territory through the militarization of the governance of much of eastern Libya. Libya
In struggle against PKK, Turkey takes flight The conflict between Turkey and Kurdish militants is becoming more complex and destructive as the Turkish army begins using drones in warfare. Iraq
Will Palestinian local elections courts be established? The Ministry of Local Governance has suggested the formation of local elections courts to prevent the Courts of First Instance from ruling on cases related to local elections. Palestine
How these Palestinian artisans are keeping craft industry alive The residents of Hebron, in the southern part of the West Bank, are trying to preserve what is left of the ancient crafts industry. Palestine
Militants from Syria's Qudsaya prepare to leave for Idlib The Syrian regime has recently pounded the city of Qudsaya, northwest of Damascus, in a bid to reach another one of its settlements that includes the evacuation of militants from the cities. Syria
Why did Israeli Foreign Ministry director quit? The resignation of Foreign Ministry Director General Dore Gold reflects yet another instance of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's penchant for one-man rule. Israel
Iraq’s Turkmens call for independent province Turkmens and other Ninevah minorities are demanding their own provinces once the Islamic State is forced out of Ninevah, which some fear may divide the country further, causing new conflicts in the region. Iraq
Tension rises on Temple Mount during Jewish holy days Israeli security forces fear that the recent shooting attack in Jerusalem signals the beginning of a new wave of violence, especially during this month of Jewish holy days. Palestine
Obama’s three diplomatic options for Mideast peace Both Israelis and Palestinians object to a diplomatic move by US President Barack Obama: the Palestinians object to a presidential speech, while the Israelis object to a UN General Assembly resolution. Palestine
