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
Iraqis turn to social media for IS coverage Iraqis are shunning broadcast and print media in favor of social networking sites to spread and follow news about the fighting against the Islamic State. Iraq
Hamas reacts to Abbas’ call for Arab strike against Gaza Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ call during the Arab Summit for an attack against Hamas in Gaza — similar to the one launched by Saudi Arabia against Yemen — has raised the ire of Hamas figures. Palestine
Can Riyadh, Tehran find common ground in Yemen? If Saudi Arabia and Iran were interested, the confrontation in Yemen could give way to a grand regional bargain. Saudi Arabia
Does Iran really want all sanctions removed immediately? Iranian negotiations and analysts have shown more nuance in latest statements about the process of removing sanctions. Iran
Turkish military calls off war on headscarves, beards Following a landmark court ruling, Turkey's military leaders have eased the strict rules governing the appearance of civilians entering military bases and other areas. Turkey
Erdogan takes swipe at Iran Observers are wondering why Erdogan is trying to drag Turkey into the region’s growing sectarian conflict. Yemen
Russia shows interest in Western Sahara Russia's desire to play an active role in the Middle East extends beyond Cairo and Damascus to longstanding issues further south. Algeria
Israelis expect little of next Knesset The 20th Knesset opened with a gloomy atmosphere and little hope for change, but low expectations combined with a broad-based right-wing future government could yield some surprises. Israel
Mixed signals day after Iran deadline Diplomats from Iran and Russia projected optimism about a preliminary understanding while the UK and France said progress made but slow-going; US delays comment. Iran
Will Egypt's new administrative capital help its economy? Thoughtful planning and government management seem indispensable to a return on investments for Egypt. Egypt
Ninevah monastery hopes for liberation Past regular visitors to St. George's Monastery, north of Mosul, have been saddened and horrified by the acts of destruction by Islamic State members at the site. Iraq
Jordan sharpens focus on IS as Gulf confronts Iran Jordan may have Iranian fighters on its border but its No. 1 priority is still combating the Islamic State. Yemen
