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
Palestinians fear Turkey will drop condition that Israel lift Gaza siege Turkey has long insisted that Israel lift its siege on the Gaza Strip before Turkish-Israeli relations can be normalized, but a recent warming of ties suggests this may change. Palestine
Turkey lobbyists bring Ankara’s war with Gulen to Washington Ankara has hired a British law firm to go after Erdogan’s main rival in his self-imposed US exile. Turkey
Will South Pars help bring Iran's economy back to life? The newly inaugurated phases 15 and 16 of Iran's giant South Pars project have the potential to greatly boost the country's economy. Qatar
Rouhani faces pressure to address crippling smog in Tehran Iranian President Hassan Rouhani continues to take political pressure for being unable to address three weeks of smog that has shut down schools. Iran
Why solving Israel-Palestine conflict is still key for regional stability The West-pragmatic Arab coalition against the Islamic State must realize that a viable Israeli-Palestinian diplomatic peace process has to be part of any regional anti-terrorist strategy. Palestine
Turkey-Israel dialogue works 'miracle' for Istanbul’s Jews Turkey’s Jews hold an unprecedented public celebration of Hanukkah amid renewed efforts to normalize Turkish-Israeli ties. Israel
Palestinian factions rush to denounce Kuntar's assassination Many observers believe Palestinians and Hezbollah both stand to lose more than they would gain if Gaza becomes a scene of retaliation for Samir Kuntar's slaying. Palestine
Are clashes spreading to western Turkey? If pressure on the PKK becomes too intense in the clashes in the southeast, there are signs the group might mobilize its proxies to spread violence to western Turkey. Turkey
Despite strict alcohol regulations, taverna culture alive in Turkey Despite increasing alcohol prices and draconian regulations for alcohol licenses, traditional and modern versions of meyhanes are flourishing, offering Turks a place to gather and share raki. Turkey
Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units warn against 'renewed occupation' by US Iraqi factions, namely the Popular Mobilization Units, reject the presence of US troops on Iraqi soil, as some claim that their presence benefits the Islamic State. Iraq
Likud's first openly gay Knesset member finds mixed reception Amir Ohana, the Likud's first openly gay Knesset member, won't be able to do much to advance LGBT rights in the ruling right-wing coalition, which depends on ultra-Orthodox support. Israel
Palestinians learn the power of a picture Images and videos of the situation in the West Bank and Gaza Strip shot by locals are empowering the Palestinians in their resistance to the Israeli occupation. Palestine
