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
Did Erdogan look the other way during YPG operation in Syria? The range of Turkey’s howitzers determines the limits of its game in Syria. Syria
Why PayPal is leaving Turkey US-based online payments giant PayPal will halt its operations in Turkey, but there seems to be more to the story than meets the eye. Turkey
Who will light the road to Rafah? Despite Salah al-Din Road in the Gaza Strip having already claimed the lives of many, no agency has stepped forward to foot the high electricity bill to make the road safer. Palestine
Why can't Gazans drink their tea in peace? Security services in Gaza are implementing heavy and exaggerated measures in cafes and public spaces, dealing with clients as suspicious persons, so have they crossed the line? Palestine
Will Egypt's cybercrime law overstep boundaries? As the Egyptian government nears adoption of a new cybercrime law, human rights organizations and observers decried the move, considering it the latest government tool to crack down on dissent. Egypt
What is keeping foreign money out of Iran’s stock exchanges? Beyond the remaining US primary sanctions, a plethora of issues within Iran is effectively acting to hold back badly needed foreign investment. Iran
Will Palestinian place where Jesus was baptized become World Heritage Site? Palestinians are seeking to register the western side of the Baptism Site on the Jordan River as a World Heritage Site. Palestine
Syrian refugees act out their stories in 'The Caravan' 'The Caravan,' a play based on Syrian refugees' testimonies, will begin touring Lebanon in June. Lebanon
Syrian youth take the stage in Alexandria To mark the end of a successful project to teach and promote artistic skills among young Syrian refugees in Egypt, the Library of Alexandria hosted a celebration complete with performances by participants and UNICEF-affiliated artists. Egypt
Is Russia readying for the kill in Syria? Russia is likely preparing for a major assault on Jabhat al-Nusra and affiliated groups in Aleppo and elsewhere in Syria. Syria
Is Sisi selling Egypt to Saudis? Egyptian lawyers and activists voice concerns over President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s decision broadening the rights of Saudi nationals to own real estate in Egypt. Saudi Arabia
Clinton dumps on Trump Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton, in a foreign policy speech in San Diego on June 2, honed the case for her candidacy down to the narrow and compelling argument that Donald Trump is unfit to be commander in chief. United States
