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
The Saudi succession question Although Saudis welcomed the elevation of Prince Muqrin, 68, as deputy crown prince, many wonder whether a younger, more energetic leadership might be better equipped to handle future economic and development challenges. Legacy: Gulf
Syria's graffiti revolution Syrian graffiti artists seek to reclaim the spirit of the revolution by taking on both the Assad government and radical Islamists. Syria
Ultra-Orthodox request gender-segregated university study As more ultra-Orthodox seek higher education, universities are struggling with whether to offer segregated courses and programs, which would undermine educational principles and devalue female academics. Israel
Lebanon’s new pulse In the shadow of the Syrian war, Lebanon may be discovering a new social contract. Lebanon
Who betrayed Egypt’s revolution? Egyptian activists struggle to determine who is to blame for Egypt’s predicament, and how to set the revolution, and the country, back on track. Egypt
Iraqi secularists under attack ahead of elections A religious leader with ties to the Islamic Dawa Party has issued a fatwa banning citizens from voting for secular candidates, as religious currents increasingly claim secular movements are tainted by links to the old regime of Saddam Hussein. Iraq
Turkish schools abroad victims of AKP-Gulen conflict The struggle between the AKP and the Gulen movement threatens more than 2,000 Turkish schools abroad, which have been seen as the country's most "valuable export commodity" and a "source of prestige." Turkey
Erdogan’s quixotic battle against social media The Turkish prime minister’s battles with Twitter and YouTube undermine his government’s international credibility. Turkey
Maliki's use of SWAT forces questioned In mid-March, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki criticized police manning checkpoints for delaying traffic, leading to the arrest of some officers by members of the SWAT forces. Iraq
Netanyahu needs Obama more than ever if talks fail Israeli Ambassador to Washington Ron Dermer participated in the Republican Jewish Coalition spring meeting, exactly when his prime minister needs the full support of US President Barack Obama for advancing negotiations or backing Israel in the case that they fail. Israel
Lebanon on wrong economic track Lebanon is trying to fix structural economic problems by raising taxes, which will make matters worse. Lebanon
Iraqi government submits controversial emergency powers bill The bill would give near-absolute powers to Iraq Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and is filled with loopholes and vague language. Iraq
