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
Iraqi Kurds struggle to avoid regional conflicts Iraqi Kurds have performed a balancing act to remain largely impartial in the conflicts swirling around them. Iraq
Gaza university launches programs for hearing-impaired The Islamic University in Gaza has introduced two diploma programs for hearing-impaired students, a first in the territory. Palestine
Ancient market at heart of modern Baghdad The Iraqi capital's ancient and well-preserved Shorja market has long been a meeting point for Iraqis and a barometer of the political and economic situation in the country. Iraq
Start with Libya to combat illegal migration Following the tragic drowning of Libyans trying to flee the country, efforts by the international community to curb this phenomenon in Libya seems to have become indispensable. Libya
UNRWA takes no responsibility for rocket launchers in shelters The Board of Inquiry report concerning the strikes at UNRWA facilities during Operation Protective Edge fails to address that the agency’s officials turned a blind eye to Hamas militants' use of the facilities as weapon depots. Palestine
Gazans pursue jobs in Israel despite danger Difficult living conditions inside the Gaza Strip have pushed citizens to risk their lives to emigrate in search of work even without the proper Israeli permits. Palestine
Fast food booms in Gaza Gaza's restaurant sector is thriving as residents flock to one of the few available diversions. Palestine
Iran targets 'MI6 Shiites' The Iranian government is engaged in a media offensive against the Shiite Shirazi movement, which runs a broadcasting network to spread its message. Iran
Zarif: Iran seeks to reduce regional tensions Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says that if and when a nuclear deal is finalized, Iran will focus on resolving regional issues before thinking about resuming diplomatic relations with the United States. Iran
MEK uses congressional spotlight to push regime change in Iran The Iranian dissident group's leader told lawmakers that Tehran's mullahs are an inspiration for Islamists everywhere. Iran
Top Biden aide moves to NSC Jeffrey Prescott, Vice President Joe Biden’s deputy national security adviser and veteran China hand, started April 29 as the National Security Council's senior director for Iran, Iraq, Syria and the Gulf states. Pan Arab
Iran minister apologizes for comment on 'dirty money' in politics After coming under criticism, Iran's interior minister apologizes before an open session of parliament over "misunderstandings" about comments he made regarding dirty money in politics. Iran
