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
Hakim calls for return of Iraq's National Alliance The leader of the Iraq Citizen Coalition is calling for a renewed National Alliance among Iraq's Shiite political parties. Iraq
Iran news publications suspended over bail reports The Reformist newspaper Ghanoon and conservative news site Dana have both been suspended by the Tehran judiciary, likely for reporting on the enormous bail set for a government official. Iran
McCain calls Homs a ‘huge victory’ for Assad Senator’s comment comes as Syrian opposition leaders seek congressional allies in their bid for more weapons. Syria
Freedom House right about Turkey Turkish journalists should not follow Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu's suggestion to reject the press freedom report. Turkey
Aleppo's rebel fighters disillusioned with war Rebel fighters in Aleppo look to Homs as a potential model for a cease-fire to end the war in the city. Syria
Sinai residents complain of violations by Egypt army Sinai civilians claim they are bearing the brunt of the Egyptian army’s war on terror in the peninsula. Egypt
Peres says Netanyahu 'stopped' peace talks in 2011 On the eve of his departure from office, President Shimon Peres has revealed that three years ago, he brokered an agreement with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, only to be rejected by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel
Sunnis, Kurds vie for Iraqi presidency Although the post of president in Iraq has been held by a Kurdish politician, Jalal Talabani, since 2005, there are reports that some Sunni politicians may be looking to assume the post. Iraq
Turkey’s currency prepares for a fall After years of efforts to keep its currency valuable, Turkey’s government seems to be shifting to a cheaper lira policy in an attempt to boost exports and reduce the country’s gaping current account deficit. Turkey
Netanyahu campaigning early for next term Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues his assault on the left. Palestine
Mental illness soars in Gaza Large numbers of Palestinians in Gaza are suffering from psychological problems as a result of the dire economic and security situation, with few resources for treatment. Palestine
State Dept. rejects Davutoglu’s denial of media watchdog report While the Freedom House report was expected to cause a stir, the statements by Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu stand out, eliciting a rebuke from the State Department. Turkey
