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
Cash offer for TV shows to hide cigarettes, drugs has some in Egypt fuming Social Solidarity Minister Ghada Wali's offer of 1 million Egyptian pounds to any TV series to not show smoking or drug use during the holy month of Ramadan causes a furor in Egypt. Egypt
Erdogan vs. the world With Recep Tayyip Erdogan closer than ever to total authority, the world is going to have to deal with an increasingly confrontational Turkish president. Turkey
How drama therapy is helping Lebanese prisoners and society A Lebanese psychologist has been working with inmates in Roumieh Prison to help them, through drama therapy, to forgive themselves, express themselves and develop empathy. Lebanon
How a Turkish opposition party turned pro-Erdogan The latest episode in Turkey’s political games sees both the government and the leadership of the opposition Nationalist Action Party (MHP) combine forces to fend off the opposition within the MHP. Turkey
How Turkey intends to secure return of Syrian refugees Turkey is seeking to establish a safe zone on its border with Syria to provide a safe haven for the Syrian refugees that currently number around 3 million in Turkey alone. Syria
New Turkish PM helps Erdogan revive 'Ottoman glory' Binali Yildirim is the ideal prime minister to usher in one-man rule in Turkey. Turkey
Will Germany play role in Israeli-Palestinian talks? Germany is deeply engaged in efforts to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and its diplomats say that the Paris conference should be based on the Quartet report. Palestine
Iraqis divided over Soleimani's role in their country Iran's Quds Force Commander Qasem Soleimani is stirring controversy in the Iraqi street, where citizens are waving both Iranian and Iraqi flags during demonstrations for or against his presence. Iraq
Who is desecrating Izz ad-Din al-Qassam's Haifa grave? A building project involving part of a historic Muslim cemetery is making headlines after an apparent attempt to desecrate the grave of Palestinian nationalist Izz ad-Din al-Qassam. Israel
Yemen peace talks stuck in stalemate The Yemen peace talks have been hindered by the parties' unwillingness to compromise on several major issues. Saudi Arabia
Why are some Palestinians upset over Nakba commemoration? The organizers of this year's Nakba commemorations faced harsh criticism for their celebratory events on what is typically a solemn occasion. Qatar
Sisi's statements on peace efforts welcomed abroad, ridiculed at home Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has announced his country's willingness to negotiate between the Palestinians and Israelis, a statement that proved controversial in Egypt. Palestine
