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 IDF favors carrots, not sticks for West Bank Palestinians IDF experts disagree whether Israel should increase pressure on the Palestinian Authority and apply punitive measures or whether it should increase incentives to calm the situation on the ground. Palestine
Why Israel needs Turkey now more than ever Israel and Turkey are strengthening their relations as both keep a wary eye on Iran's outreach to the world and regional countries. Israel
This is not your father's intifada Israel's response to the current wave of terror attacks is based on the second intifada, but the opponent has changed. Palestine
Is Iran deal gateway to Israeli-Palestinian peace? J Street aims to put $3 million behind pro-diplomacy lawmakers in 2016 election cycle. Palestine
Syria talk invites go out … who’s in and who’s out? UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura issued invitations Jan. 26 to new Syria peace talks in Geneva beginning Jan. 29 that could last six months, while acknowledging that the relaunched peace effort is going to be uphill. Syria
Could Iraq mediate Iran, Saudi strife? Utilizing Iraq as a mediator to address its dispute with Iran would allow Saudi Arabia to both improve relations with Tehran and build important relations with Iraqi Shiites. Why, then, is Riyadh not seizing this opportunity? Saudi Arabia
Rouhani makes up for lost time in Italy Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is eager to bring his country back to the point it was before the sanctions. Iran
How Biden annoyed Ankara during his recent visit to Turkey Was the US vice president's awkward talks with the Turkish president and prime minister a harbinger of even more tension in already strained ties between the two countries? Turkey
Local movie blockbusters break revenue records in Turkey The path of democracy will influence the future of the Turkish film industry. Turkey
Can new food safety law stop Egypt's 'donkey slaughter mafia'? Egypt is planning urgently needed legislation to protect its citizens’ food supply and prevent the spread of disease. Egypt
Palestinian intelligence chief undermines his own political ambitions In light of the talk about President Mahmoud Abbas’ succession, Palestinian security chief Maj. Gen. Majid Faraj was harshly criticized for his statement to a Western site about his agency’s efforts in preventing 200 attacks against Israelis. Palestine
Gaza’s milk industry turns sour Wars with Israel have had devastating consequences for dairy factories in Gaza, but a few still survive even in the face of competition from Israel and the West Bank. Palestine
