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
Former police chief speaks out about Turkey’s 'parallel state' Former police Chief Hanefi Avci, among the first to expose Turkey’s “parallel state” and one of its high-profile victims, retains a realistic and cool-headed attitude on the issue, unlike some pro-government propagandists. Turkey
Israel violates terms of Gaza cease-fire Israel is still not abiding by the terms of the cease-fire deal that ended the Gaza war in August, and still harasses and fires at Palestinian farmers and fishermen. Palestine
Does nationality bill threaten Israeli democracy? In an interview with Al-Monitor, Israeli Democracy Institute President Yohanan Plesner argues that the proposed nationality bill would project the image of a state where democratic values are eroded and non-Jewish citizens are not seen as equal to Jewish ones. Israel
Lebanese officials file lawsuit against the state Six Lebanese nationals, including former and current deputies, filed a lawsuit against the state, accusing successive governments of illegally collecting and spending funds in the absence of a clear, lawful budget. Lebanon
Have you considered an online degree? New offerings make online degrees an option students should consider. Pan Arab
Iran leader: Nuclear issue won’t bring Iran to its knees Reactions have been mixed inside Iran to the announced extension of the nuclear talks as Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei remains defiant. Iran
Baghdadi vs. Zawahri: battle for global jihad Al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahri and Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi are engaged in a battle for the hearts and minds of Islamic militants worldwide. North Africa
As Syrian army closes in, Douma residents turn against rebels Douma’s residents protested against Jaish al-Islam for monopolizing food supplies to the Damascene suburb, while Syrian government forces edge closer to retaking the rebel stronghold. Syria
Turkish government, military at odds over Gulenists Turkey’s military is back in the headlines, but this time as an “injured party,” defending itself against allegations of Gulenist soldiers in its ranks. Turkey
Sanctions talk heats up after second extension to Iran talks Lawmakers are making the case for a new round of sanctions in a Republican-controlled Congress. Iran
Netanyahu unpopular, but still alone at top Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu provoked a coalition crisis this week, signaling that though normally he shies away from elections, with his sinking popularity, his best bet might be running to the voting booth now. Israel
Egypt debates health care reform New legislation has been proposed to revamp Egypt’s outdated and ill-functioning health insurance system and cover all Egyptians under one universal insurance umbrella. Egypt
