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
Here comes Bibi! Congress turns its attention away from other business this week as it prepares for the addres of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Iraq
Turkey has 'other priorities' than battling Islamic State US Director of National Intelligence James Clapper does not expect Turkey to become "more engaged" in the anti-Islamic State coalition; are al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, or Assad and Hezbollah, a greater threat to Israel?; Israeli prime minister expects to "cash in" on Iran nuclear deal on March 17; Al-Monitor launches a series focused on women in the Middle East. Israel
Arab artists depict violence in their paintings Many Arab artists — Lebanese, Syrian and Iraqi — have been inserting terrorism and violence into their paintings, to show the world the suffering of the Arab peoples. Iraq
New Iran bill doesn’t mandate up-or-down vote on nuclear deal Legislation from the Senate Foreign Relations chairman would authorize — but not require — Congress to weigh in before sanctions can be lifted. Iran
PA clamps down on security amid unrest in West Bank Recent clashes in the West Bank between security officials and protesters have triggered Palestinian fears that stability will be difficult to restore. Palestine
Iran's cooperation with IAEA at risk if nuclear talks fail A breakdown in nuclear talks between Iran and the P5+1 would likely mean far fewer inspections in Iran. Iran
French visit to Damascus opens new channels for diplomacy Recent developments, including a visit by French politicians and the possible replacement of the French ambassador in Lebanon by Emannuel Bonne, who participated in the Syrian-French negotiations, indicate a probable shift in the French position. Syria
Televised debate reveals torn, divided Israel The latest TV Channel 2 election debate exposed the growing schism within Israeli society, with party leaders trading accusations and insults. Israel
Rasha Abou Jalal on why she writes Al-Monitor contributor Rasha Abou Jalal shares her thoughts on journalism. Palestine
Mona Alami on why she writes Al-Monitor contributor Mona Alami shares her thoughts on journalism. Lebanon
Egypt's Faten Hamama was more than movie star Egyptian actress Faten Hamama, who died Jan. 17, was behind the amendment of the Egyptian Personal Status Law, allowing women to file for divorces. Egypt
From 'zero problems' to zero trade Ankara’s support of the Islamist-controlled National General Congress instead of the government in Tobruk has had dire consequences for Turkish business interests in Libya. Turkey
