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
Starbucks becomes flashpoint between Turks, Armenians Armenian-American activists are scoring major points against an angry and misinformed Turkish public. Turkey
Palestinian protests in Ramon Prison set to spread Palestinian prisoners have staged protests in Ramon Prison in Israel, and during March protests are expected to expand to other prisoners and the broader Palestinian community. Palestine
US persuaded Turkey to include Israel in NATO drills Leaked emails between the Obama administration and Turkish senior officials reflect US efforts at reconciling Israel and Turkey — when the latter objected to Israel's participation at a NATO sea drill. Israel
Unprecedented rift splits Jordan’s Muslim Brotherhood The Shura Council of Jordan’s Muslim Brotherhood has decided to revoke the membership of 10 leading members belonging to the Zamzam Initiative, a group that seeks to break ties with Egypt’s Brotherhood. Jordan
War puts Syrians on unexpected career paths Young graduates in Damascus are having a hard time securing a job in their field, thus turning to nongovernmental organizations and volunteer work. Syria
Egypt closes 27,000 places of worship The Egyptian Ministry of Religious Endowment has shuttered 27,000 local places of worship under the pretext of fighting terrorism, while awarding 400 preaching permits to Salafists. Egypt
Palestinian factions maintain fragile stability in Sidon camp Although Salafist fugitives have found refuge in Ain al-Hilweh, competing Palestinian factions appear intent on maintaining stability in the refugee camp. Lebanon
Qatar’s UN ambassador looks to break barriers H.E. Sheikha Alya Bint Ahmed Bin Saif Al Thani knows how to shake up the status quo but argues that gradual change is the most effective way to advance women in the region. Qatar
US, EU battle Netanyahu for public's trust on Iran Israeli leader sees Congress as crucial backstop against "bad deal." Israel
IRGC: Naval exercise also 'media-psychological' operation The head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps public relations has said that Iran's publicized naval exercises were meant to prepare for threats from countries beyond the region and praised the media coverage of them. Iran
Women's roles in Hamas slowly evolve The Hamas movement is keen to encourage women’s participation in military and social life, depending on women to mobilize support. Palestine
Life in Gaza gives Palestinian satirists plenty of material Gazans have embraced satirical videos and publications that reflect the Gaza Strip's economic, social and political crises. Palestine
