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
As national pride surges, Turkey's flag sellers struggle to profit Following the coup attempt, Turkey's public squares have turned into a sea of red as supporters of the government wave flags late into the night; yet while business is booming for producers, many flag sellers are struggling to make a profit during Turkey's new festive holiday. Turkey
Thousands apply for short-term jobs program in Gaza In a move to address the unemployment crisis, the Gaza government has created temporary employment projects that aim to provide temporary relief and stimulate the economy. Palestine
Will Hamas, Dahlan join forces in upcoming local elections? Hamas has accepted to participate in the local elections that the Palestinian government announced to be held in October, but some observers believe the current division might obstruct said elections. Palestine
Who sent mystery drone into Israeli airspace? Israel's air force is investigating a triple failure to bring down a drone that flew over the Golan Heights and is still unidentified. Israel
Rouhani’s bet on nuke deal may cost him at the polls One year out from their country's next presidential election, Iranians are wondering whether incumbent Hassan Rouhani will pay a price for striking a nuclear deal with the United States — and whether the US presidential battle will play a role. United States
Palestinians concerned about new Israeli NGO law Palestinians working with B’Tselem and other human rights organizations are worried that the new Knesset law will restrict their work. Palestine
Will Israel create safe zone in southern Syria? According to Syrian opposition figures, Israel is increasingly interested in creating a safe zone in southern Syria, and actions on the ground suggest that such a project may be underway. Israel
Erdogan's crackdown on enemies just getting started after failed coup Is the Turkish military "infested" with Gulenists? Iran expects shift in Turkey’s Syria policies after standing by Erdogan; Turkish documents detail Islamic State operations. Syria
New ad campaign seeks to empower Egyptian women A campaign by the National Council for Women hopes to achieve a fundamental change in Egyptian society. Egypt
Iraq's ancient city of Babylon eyes World Heritage list After the al-Ahwar marshes were added this year, Iraqis are looking to add the ancient city of Babylon to the World Heritage list in 2017, in a process that requires much effort given the current challenges the historical site faces. Iraq
Will Sadrists target US troops in Iraq? As the United States announced it would send an extra 560 troops to Iraq to participate in the battle to liberate Mosul from Islamic State control, Iraqi Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's militias threatened to target them. Iraq
US election 2016: Trump seals the deal Here's what happened on the campaign trail the week of July 18. United States
