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 cemetery-dwelling Gazans fear the living, not the dead A cemetery in central Gaza City is home to dozens of families, who receive only minimal aid from the Ministry of Social Affairs. Palestine
How Iraq just legalized discrimination of minorities A new National Identity Card Law passed by the Iraqi parliament legalizes discrimination against non-Muslim minorities. Iraq
How banning Islamic Movement betrays Israel's democracy The government's decision to outlaw the northern branch of the Islamic Movement tramples numerous principles inherent to a democratic society. Palestine
Are the attacks in Paris connected with attacks in Israel? The Israeli right is claiming that Israel and France are fighting against the same kind of terrorism motivated by religious fundamentalism. Israel
Will Iran pursue high-cost strategy in Syria? A previously unpublished speech by an Iranian general who was killed in Syria may reveal efforts to justify Iran's growing involvement in Syria. Syria
Is it time for China to step up its engagement in the Middle East? It is time for China to capitalize on its position as the only great power with good relations with both Iran and Saudi Arabia to facilitate regional engagement. Saudi Arabia
In the battle against IS, where is the Arab coalition? Arab countries claiming their opposition against the Islamic State have stood down in their battle against the self-proclaimed "Caliph Ibrahim," creating a political void in the coalition. Saudi Arabia
Some in Turkey still balk at EU's 'indecent proposal' What's the real value of the EU's offer to pay Turkey 3 billion euros ($3.2 billion), ease visa restrictions and expedite accession negotiations in return for keeping refugees from entering Europe? Turkey
What's the difference between habbeh and intifada? Palestinian media and politicians have yet to agree on the terminology of the ongoing events in the West Bank and Jerusalem. Palestine
How outlawing the Islamic Movement could backfire on Israel The decision to outlaw the northern branch of the Islamic Movement in Israel might actually strengthen its status among Palestinians there. Palestine
Is Abbas trying to distract Egyptian media? During his visit to Cairo, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas accused Hamas of negotiating with Israel regarding annexing part of the Sinai Peninsula to Gaza. Palestine
Does Bibi know more than the Israeli intelligence service? Despite recommendations by the Shin Bet to outlaw the Muslim Brotherhood, the Netanyahu government decided instead to side with the police and outlaw the northern branch of the Islamic Movement. Palestine
