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
New developments grow where Tehran's historic sycamore trees used to stand Tehran's sycamore trees on Valiasr Street are being cut down to make room for businesses and developers; because the trees have a protected status of sorts, it is believed that some are being intentionally dried out in order to kill them. Iran
Critics make last-ditch effort to hamper Iranian deal US skeptics are putting maximum pressure on negotiators ahead of June 30 deadline. Iran
Reality of deal sets in for Iran, P5+1 A senior US negotiator suggested that all parties, but particularly the Iranians, may be experiencing some eleventh-hour jitters. Iran
Awaiting 'white smoke' in Vienna An Iranian source tells Al-Monitor that it is Iran, not the US Congress, that needs reassurances as nuclear talks in Vienna approach the deadline. Iran
Did Moscow’s 'air defense' diplomacy land Saudi deal? After decades of disappointment, it appears Russia might finally become an arms supplier to Saudi Arabia, after also reaching deals with Iran and Egypt. Legacy: Gulf
Israel, Hamas negotiate, but truce still far off Israel and Hamas are directly and indirectly discussing the possibility of a long-term truce, and their main point of convergence is the quest to weaken the Ramallah leadership. Palestine
Why are Israelis uninterested in diplomatic debate? Rocket fire from Gaza on southern towns has restarted already. Benjamin Netanyahu’s promises for creative diplomatic initiatives were not followed by action, and yet, the Israeli public seems unconcerned by the next conflict in Gaza. Palestine
How stronger Russia-Saudi ties may be threat to Assad The recent visit of Saudi Arabia’s deputy crown prince to Russia suggests a possible progression in Saudi-Russia relations. But what implications could such an alliance have on regional conflicts, particularly the Syrian crisis? Saudi Arabia
Iranian newspaper warns against showing enthusiasm for US The Kayhan paper, sensing a nuclear deal is imminent, is worried about certain media outlets depicting the United States in a positive light. Iran
Marianne flotilla reflects Turkey's changed Israel stance With a new geopolitical setup in the Middle East and the regional focus on Syria rather than on Gaza, the Marianne flotilla was intercepted by the Israeli navy without "significant media coverage" for this protest. Palestine
Jerusalem youth chorus bridges Israeli-Palestinian divide A rare group of Israeli and Palestinian teenagers brings a mixture of musical styles and political grievances to a 3-year-old choir that is just completing its first tour in the United States. Palestine
West Bank charity still fills ancient duty, hungry stomachs For a millennium, an almshouse in Hebron has offered food for the needy all year round, and its activities become all the more vital during the holy month of Ramadan. Palestine
