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
US aid to Israel takes a partisan turn Senate Republicans push for $1.5 billion boost days after signing off on a record $38 billion package. Israel
Could Israel have gotten more than $38 billion in security aid? Responding to criticism by former Prime Minister Ehud Barak over the size of the US security aid secured by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the latter argued that Barak is not up-to-date on the facts. Israel
Why US' biggest challenge to fighting IS in Syria might be its own allies The Obama administration’s no-boots-on-the-ground policy in Iraq and Syria has forced it to employ creative solutions to manage the complex battlefield. But for how long? Syria
Multiple arrests in Iran as Rouhani arrives in New York Iranian authorities appear to be stepping up their crackdown on media workers amid President Rouhani’s arrival in New York to address the UN General Assembly’s annual meeting. Iran
US, UN say Syria cease-fire 'not dead' after strike on aid convoy Despite statements from the United States and UN following a deadly Sept. 19 strike on an aid convoy, there are growing doubts about whether the US-Russian agreement is viable. Syria
Turkey seeks more military cooperation with US in Syria Analysts who say the FSA is not a viable force against IS argue that the Turkish military needs the help of US forces as it prepares to move on the IS stronghold of al-Bab. Syria
Why Iran never counted on US-Russia agreement Despite welcoming the US-Russia agreement on Syria, Iran never had much faith in the initiative. As such, the collapse of the deal does not appear to have left anyone in Tehran fazed. Syria
Can Libya find unity through oil? With the Libyan National Army’s takeover of the crescent oil ports, Gen. Khalifa Hifter may be the key to a true national unity government. Libya
More at stake than meets the eye as Jordan votes While continuing to prepare against external armed threats, Jordan must also focus on improving domestic conditions crucial to long-term stability. Jordan
Iraqis already arguing over land they haven't yet freed from IS As efforts advance to liberate Mosul, the capital of Ninevah province, disputes are brewing over proposals to divide up the governorate. Iraq
Will Iranian pilgrims forsake Mecca for Karbala? Iran and Saudi Arabia are expanding the conflict over Islamic religious sites as they continue to exploit religion for their political interests. Saudi Arabia
Will Jenin’s only cinema be demolished to make way for mall? Jenin Cinema faces the risk of demolition after it was put up for sale by its owners, and businessmen have made offers and expressed their intentions to build a mall in its place. Palestine
