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
Palestine not equipped to face possible earthquakes Palestine is situated near geological fault lines, and a lack of planning and proper infrastructure means that a large earthquake could have disastrous results. Palestine
Sporadic violence follows killing of Palestinian toddler Though a popular uprising is unlikely, isolated clashes are breaking out in the West Bank as Palestinians continue to watch in vain for signs of justice and political progress at the international level. Palestine
US support of Syrian Kurds ruffles Turkey's feathers Analysts say Ankara may have no choice but to come to terms with the emerging Kurdish reality along its border with Syria. Syria
Who killed Turkey-PKK peace process? The peace process between Turkey and the Kurdish group is on hold now, thanks to a perfect storm blown by the Kurdistan Workers Party's militancy, the toxic impact of the Syrian civil war and grand political ambitions in Ankara. Turkey
You won't believe what these Israeli hikers find on their 1,000 kilometer journey Israelis and tourists are captivated by the 1,000-kilometer Israel National Trail, which National Geographic selected as one of the world's 20 most highly recommended treks. Israel
Will Moscow move Meshaal toward Abbas? Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal's upcoming visit to Moscow is unlikely to bear fruit unless the movement is willing to dismantle its armed forces and make peace with the Palestinian Authority. Palestine
Does Netanyahu's 'Terror is terror' comment really mean anything? Though Israeli politicians condemned the murder of a Palestinian toddler, tomorrow they will put this terrorist act behind them and continue to support the Israeli settlers. Palestine
Lobbying 2015: Iraqi Kurds to US: Don't forget, we were your friends first The Kurdistan Regional Government has emerged as one of America’s best allies, but will its lobbying operation help it from falling prey to politics now that Iraq and Turkey are more fully engaged in the fight against IS? Iraqi-Kurdistan
Rouhani: 'Merchants of sanctions' upset by nuke deal In a televised interview, President Hassan Rouhani says the gates of the world have opened up to the Iranian people. Iran
Israel shouldn't turn battle for gay rights into right-left conflict The LGBT battle for an equal society crosses the Israeli political spectrum, which is why its members should not have alienated right-wing politicians who wished to participate at the rally commemorating the murder of a teenager at the gay pride parade. Israel
Will Iran buy French warplanes? With restrictions set to come off in the medium term, Iran has an even greater incentive to modernize its antiquated air force. Iran
How Iran should approach the GCC After reaching the nuclear deal, Iran has a chance to improve relations with the GCC states — but it must tread cautiously. Iran
