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
Why Shiites are divided over Iranian role in Iraq Shiites have started to act based on political orientations instead of their sectarian affiliations, which is viewed as an edge in the Shiite public awareness. Iraq
In Israel, life imitates satire Polls indicate that a majority of Israelis do not object to the occupation, yet many of them are clamoring to watch a play mocking the policy. Palestine
To stand, or not to stand? The politics of Israeli memorial days Some Israelis prefer to choose by themselves how and when to remember the fallen soldiers, and not be forced to stand in silence when Memorial Day sirens are sounding. Israel
Why is Congress keeping its powder dry on Iran sanctions? Republican leaders are determined to craft the most comprehensive legislative package they can get through Congress. Iran
Iranian official says prominent Saudi jihadist 'man in control' in Syria In Syria, a Saudi jihadi is becoming a paramount figure for militants opposed to President Bashar al-Assad — but will he become the "new bin Laden"? Syria
Head of Iran TV resigns after just 18 months Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has appointed Abdul Ali Asghari as the new head of Iranian television after the previous head resigned abruptly only 18 months into his five-year term. Iran
How will Egypt police its police force? Police assaults on civilians have put the Interior Ministry in the hot seat as the public demands action to curb police violence. Egypt
As Davutoglu exits, Erdoganists demand 'obedience to the leader' The departure of Ahmet Davutoglu as prime minister marks the opening of a new narrative that makes obedience to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan a religious duty. Turkey
How will Turkey gain power abroad when it can't protect its borders? Turkey's ineffectiveness in protecting the city of Kilis on the Syrian border points to how unlikely it is that the government will fulfill its ambition to become a regional power. Syria
Gaza's first food truck brings out the hungry and curious Two unemployed brothers are finding success operating Gaza's first food truck. Palestine
Who are Syria's Alawites? Alawite doctrine differs in many ways from Sunni and Shiite Islam, but Alawites believe they should be respected and accepted as an independent Muslim sect. Iraq
Why Netanyahu doesn't need the Zionist Camp yet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would like to add the Zionist Camp to his coalition, but not at the price of freezing settlement construction or pushing the HaBayit HaYehudi Party out of the government. Israel
