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
Congress presses Tunisia on security sector reform House panel says the Arab Spring poster child isn't a democracy yet. Tunisia
Why is Iran's health minister complaining about domestic-made cars? After a social media campaign to boycott Iranian-made cars, Iranian officials weigh in on the matter. Iran
Turkey prepares for G-20 conference, but will it be its last? Turkey, preparing to host G-20 leaders, faces the danger of losing its place in the G-20 because of declining national income. Will its strategic location keep it in? Turkey
If you’re using iMessage, here’s why the Turkish government might think you’re a spy The latest arrest and deportation of foreign journalists reveals how misunderstood encryption technology is in Turkey. Turkey
IS has big plans for gold currency As the Islamic State challenges the US dollar by rolling out its own currency, some experts say the coinage will not catch on. Egypt
Alexandria's urban heritage threatened by developers Egyptian activists are trying to reach out to people to stop the destruction of this historical city. Egypt
Nile river boat tours often sail Egyptians toward death Boats offering rides on the Nile River are a popular but dangerous attraction due to many security breaches and lax enforcement. Egypt
Iraq sees exodus of minorities Large waves of emigration are dramatically depleting Iraq’s minority populations, especially Christians, with dire consequences for the country's future diversity. Iraq
Security chaos in Nablus haunts PA The Palestinian Authority is concerned about the escalating security incidents occurring between the security services and members of Fatah in the West Bank. Palestine
How one of the smallest religious communities in the world is struggling to sustain its community The Samaritans are desperately trying to sustain their lineage in their West Bank enclave on Mount Gerizim. Near East
Will the Palestinians abolish the Oslo Accord? Growing despair might drive Palestinian leadership to announce the abolition of the Oslo Accord, which would lead to chaos and consequently breakouts of violence. Palestine
How feminist groups are taking on post-revolution Egypt Egyptian activists have been establishing groups and campaigns to raise awareness and fight sexual harassment since the revolutions erupted in Egypt. Egypt
