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
Turkey witnesses 'unprecedented onslaught on critical media' Since coming to power in 2002, Turkey’s ruling party has employed unprecedented means to expand pro-government media and curb critical media, acting in cooperation with crony businessmen and using public funds. Turkey
April showers bring … growing violence in southeast Turkey? Both the Turkish government and the Kurdistan Workers Party are feverishly preparing for expected heavy clashes in the spring. Turkey
Palestinian PM says he is 'bitterly disappointed' in US In an interview from Ramallah with Al-Monitor, PA Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah says Palestine is ready for statehood as soon as Israel ends the occupation. Palestine
Will government seize Turkey's largest bank? Isbank, Turkey's largest private bank, is seen as a government takeover target. Turkey
Will reports of hospital segregation spark debate on racism in Israel? The scandal on the segregation of Jewish women and Arab women in Israeli hospitals has succeeded in breaking the long-held public silence on racism and discrimination. Palestine
Will Ya'alon leave Likud? With the Likud veering toward the radical right, Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon might be tempted to leave in favor of a moderate-right party. Israel
Currency crash adds to Syrians’ woes The crash in the Syrian pound’s value against foreign currencies has resulted in higher food prices and increased demand for other currencies. Syria
How Hebron shooting highlights shift in Israeli society Contrary to the first intifada, where violations of the IDF code of ethics was considered shocking, many Israelis now support soldiers who act immorally. Israel
Hamas scrambles to make up budget shortfalls As a result of its financial crisis, Hamas adopted policies that are increasing Gazans' suffering and dissatisfaction. Palestine
Will Ramallah be Palestine's first 'smart city'? The Ramallah municipality has implemented a number of technology projects in an effort to become a "smart city," but it faces numerous obstacles. Palestine
What’s in store for the future of journalism in Turkey? Cengiz Candar says he is retiring from journalism in Turkey in a farewell article published by Radikal on April 6 after the publication abruptly shut down. Turkey
Egypt’s water minister says country facing 'critical phase' In an interview with Al-Monitor, Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Mohamed Abdel Ati said that Cairo was working on finding solutions to the Renaissance Dam dispute that would satisfy all involved countries. Egypt
