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
Sibel Utku Bila on why she writes Al-Monitor contributor Sibel Utku Bila shares her thoughts on journalism. Turkey
300 days at the Tomb of Suleiman Shah Speaking with Al-Monitor, Turkish special forces officers share their experiences, observations and insights into Islamic State activities near the Tomb of Suleiman Shah and the origins of the Turkish government's decision to evacuate its soldiers. Syria
Arab women's new face in the Knesset In an interview with Al-Monitor, Aida Touma-Sliman, social activist and soon to be Knesset member, explains her long-standing political career in the Arab sector, battling violence against women and promoting coexistence. Israel
Hezbollah-Hariri at stalemate The dialogue between Hezbollah and Future Movement leader Saad Hariri does not seem to be getting anywhere, as security and political issues such as the resistance’s weapons and the presidential vacuum remain unresolved. Lebanon
Ultra-Orthodox woman fights for representation in Knesset Ruth Colian managed to gather the needed resources to establish an ultra-Orthodox women's party that ran for a seat in the Knesset on March 17, but the ultra-Orthodox establishment keeps setting up obstacles. Israel
Battle for Tikrit highlights challenges of war on IS While the Iraqi army has made some progress on the ground in its battle to liberate Tikrit from Islamic State (IS) forces, the war against IS will not be fully resolved until all concerned parties come together with a unified strategic plan. Iraq
Upscale Palestinian cuisine flourishes in Israel Top Israeli Arab chefs have dispelled the notion of Palestinian cuisine being simple and cheap, serving traditional dishes, some with innovative twists, in enjoyable surroundings. Palestine
Militarization of Iraqi society is intensifying The fight against the Islamic State is leading increasing numbers of civilians to take up arms and defend their territory. Iraq
Palestinian female judges gavel down taboos Palestinian attorney Kholoud al-Faqih defied all norms when she decided to become the first woman to occupy the position of Sharia judge, breaking a long-standing taboo in Arab societies. Palestine
Iranian minister slammed for warning of 'dirty money' in politics Iran's Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli has been forced to walk back his claims that money from illegal drug smuggling has entered politics. Iran
Islamic feminist challenges orthodoxy from within Turkish academic Hidayet Tuksal has made a reputation as an Islamist feminist, studying religious texts and challenging Islamist notions that marginalize women. Turkey
Turkish teacher on why she embraces Sufi lifestyle In an interview with Cemalnur Sargut, a renowned writer, researcher and teacher of Sufism, she explains how it is not a philosophy but a lifestyle. Turkey
