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
Putin, Erdogan meet face to face, but don't see eye to eye The recent meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Azerbaijan appears to reflect a mutual irritation between the two parties. Turkey
Gazans tune into airwaves to cut through static of war Because of electrical outages, radio remains the most reliable way for Gazans to follow the news. Palestine
Palestinian NGO closes in on consultative status at UN The Palestinian Return Center has taken a step toward consultative status as a nongovernmental organization dealing with Palestinian refugee issues, a recommendation that still needs ratification by the UN's Economic and Social Council. Palestine
Amid crackdown, tunnel smuggling is risky business in Gaza As the Egyptian army intensifies its campaign to destroy the border tunnels from southern Gaza, many still rely on smuggling goods for work, as no better jobs are available. Palestine
Israel not doing enough to stop 'price tag' attacks Despite declarations by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about forcefully fighting price tag attacks, these acts of vandalism and violence against Muslim and Christian places of worship continue. Palestine
Cairo's heritage sites threatened with demolition Restoration projects and demolitions are not only threatening the historical character of Old Cairo, but also causing forced displacements and anger among residents. Egypt
Egypt launches new programs to address poverty The Egyptian Ministry of Social Solidarity has started two programs to help alleviate poverty and encourage education among Egypt's most disadvantaged families. Egypt
Activists claim forgery in Beirut beach development plan The planned development of the Dalieh of Raouche threatens to prevent public access to one of two remaining natural areas along Beirut's coastline. Lebanon
Why Israel needs Obama Israel needs a US president who attempts to guide it away from occupation, and who isn't afraid to criticize it while showing empathy to both Israeli and Palestinian children — the way President Barack Obama is acting. Palestine
Helicopters, scanners no match for Egypt's exam cheats With students becoming more defiant and social media savvy, the leaking of exam questions is becoming increasingly difficult to curb. Egypt
Iranian justice minister explains delay in corruption case Mostafa Pourmohammadi, Iran's justice minister, explained why the high-profile corruption case of Babak Zanjani has yet to reach a conclusion. Iran
Why Assad may be helping Islamic State’s offensive The latest regime airstrikes against rebels in Aleppo’s northern countryside seem to benefit the Islamic State, but also help the Syrian government divide its enemies. Syria
