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
After Tikrit victory, what's next for Iraqi forces? Although the Islamic State was heavily defeated in Tikrit, to sustain the victory of the many groups that fought this battle seems far-fetched as confusion prevails among them. Iraq
Turkey commemorates Holocaust, ignores Armenian issue Istanbul commemorated Jewish musicians who continued to create even when persecuted by the Nazis, in a ceremony reflecting the Turkish policy line of tolerance vis-a-vis minorities, as long as the question of Armenian genocide is not raised. Israel
Saudi airport incident incites social media outrage in Iran Iranian social media users have erupted in anger over the two Iranian pilgrims allegedly assaulted in Saudi Arabia, prompting calls for calm from journalists. Saudi Arabia
Turkish soldiers target villagers' mules Mules belonging to villagers living in the sensitive Uludere area have been shot by the Turkish military in its fight against what the state defines as smuggling and the locals see as legitimate trade over the Iraqi border. Iraq
US relations with Egypt: one problem at a time American-Egyptian relations are structured in a piecemeal fashion, lacking strategic thinking and planning for long-term stability. Egypt
Should Hillary promote the Clinton Parameters? Recent statements by former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton suggest that she's adopting a conciliatory tone toward Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instead of pushing forward initiatives for the two-state solution. Palestine
MK Nava Boker aims to defend diversity in Likud In an interview with Al-Monitor, newly elected Knesset member Nava Boker vows to continue fighting for the improvement of emergency services in Israel, so that disasters like the fire that killed her husband will not repeat themselves. Israel
Tension renews between Hamas, IS in Gaza Much speculation surrounds the purported animosity between Hamas and Islamic State militants in Gaza, further threatening Gaza’s security. Palestine
Gaza play reflects humanitarian, social impact of latest war The play "Al-Qafas," which addresses the humanitarian crisis after the war in 2014 and exposes the parties that took advantage of the people’s suffering for their own interests, is playing in Gaza and has gained popularity. Palestine
Local council elections go unnoticed in Tehran While neighborhood council elections in Tehran have shown promise, critics say they lack meaningful channels to implement change. Iran
White House OKs Senate's Iran bill President Barack Obama is expected to sign the congressional review of the Iranian deal into law. Iran
After nuclear deal, what's next for Iran? In the run-up to the comprehensive nuclear agreement with Iran, it is time for the United States and Iran to ease the political and security issues, which in turn will improve trade, technological and economic relations. Iran
