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
What next for Iraq? The Islamic State may be routed in Iraq, but the question of what is next remains unanswered. Iraq
Ancient, modern Iran clash over fire festival Iranians will take to the streets to celebrate an ancient Iranian holiday, despite warnings by officials who are uncomfortable with this pre-Islamic holiday. Iran
Many Gazans are turning to fraud to obtain assistance Harsh economic conditions are forcing many Gazans to use deceptive methods to obtain aid, otherwise reserved for pregnant women, unemployed breadwinners and refugees. Palestine
Iraq’s Shiite forces claim victory over IS Sheikh Akram al-Kaabi, the leader of Hezbollah al-Nujaba, a major Iraqi Shiite resistance movement fighting IS, tells Al-Monitor in an exclusive interview that his group will target US planes if they get near his forces. Iraq
West Bank refugee camp threatens Palestinian leadership Clashes between armed militants and Palestinian security forces in the West Bank's Balata camp could threaten the existence of the Palestinian government. Palestine
90% of Iran MPs: All sanctions must be removed 260 members of parliament signed on to a statement saying that, in case of a nuclear deal, all sanctions against Iran must be removed. Iran
Netanyahu ignored socio-economic issues Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu enjoyed a reputation of a strong-willed finance minister who can change the system, but has failed in harnessing these capabilities into confronting the dire socio-economic situation. Israel
Arab countries hope to influence G-20 agenda An Istanbul economic forum highlighted Arab countries' aims to be included in the G-20 summit to be held in Turkey in November 2015. Turkey
Islamic State erases centuries of history According to a sociology professor, extremist groups such as the Islamic State seek to return society to the early Middle Ages, when little to no art, science and culture existed. Iraq
Israel's election focuses on politics of fear With right-wing politicians calling Arab Israelis a fifth column, and a Joint List candidate comparing Zionism to the Islamic State, it seems that the common denominator in the Israeli elections is hatred of the other. Palestine
With men out of work, Syrian women become sole providers Syrian women have had to find a way to face the hardships of being refugees and still find a way to provide for their families. Jordan
Turkish independent women don't need to put a ring on it The stigma of being an old maid is slowly fading in Turkey. Turkey
