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
Davutoglu proposes refugee 'container city' Davutoglu, while advocating a container city for refugees in a safe zone, is ignoring the serious risks it would entail. Syria
Why have PKK cemeteries become a target? Kurdish militants in Turkey are accused of using cemeteries as military bases and ammunition depots. Turkey
Even clerics are joining Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units The phenomenon of clerics joining Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Units to fight the Islamic State, while deemed beneficial by many, remains controversial. Iraq
Al-Aqsa tensions straining Palestinian solidarity The Palestinian Authority's repressive approach to recent demonstrations is leading some to wonder whether popular anger against Israel might soon be turned against Palestinian security forces. Palestine
Why one Arab Knesset member provoked Israeli police on the Temple Mount The outburst by Knesset member Jamal Zahalka on the Temple Mount this week reveals the dangerous game he is playing at the sacred site, staging himself as a victim while world leaders gather at UN headquarters. Palestine
Death of Egyptian author who drove across Israel leaves void in Israeli-Egyptian relations The Egyptian satirist Ali Salem was more than just a true friend to a number of Israelis — he was the apostle of a warm peace. Egypt
Congress hesitant to share IS intelligence with Putin, Assad Lawmakers are ambivalent about greater cooperation in countering foreign fighters. Syria
Turkey's Middle East policy 'fiasco' Ankara wants to set up three cities for refugees on the Syrian side of the border with EU funds, but suspicions linger about its true intentions. Turkey
Iranian sources confirm Zarif, Obama handshake Iranian sources have confirmed the handshake between Iran's foreign minister and the US president, although they said it was not planned. Iran
Pedal power gets Turkish makeover Turkish activists put heels on wheels to encourage women to ride bicycles for transportation, health, empowerment and a cleaner environment. Turkey
Abbas turns to Russia It seems Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is asking Russia to step up its role in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as the United States is slowly retreating from dealing with the region's issues. Palestine
What Rouhani's done to fight corruption The Rouhani administration has done a great deal to fight pervasive corruption in Iran, and though progress is slow, the removal of sanctions will clear the way for further efforts. Iran
