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
Negotiators must treat Israeli settlements as barriers to peace David Makovsky, the newest member of the US secretary of state's negotiating team, must realize that the settlement enterprise remains an "intentional, clear and winning" Israeli policy. Palestine
US, Iranian influence evolves in Iraq After the Geneva breakthrough on Iran’s nuclear program and the potential for a US-Iran entente, it is worth looking at the role both sides play in an ever-turbulent Iraq. Iraq
Israeli media miscasts Hebron clashes The Israeli media has painted a recent confrontation in Hebron as the result of growing radical Islamism in the West Bank despite the lack of evidence for such a cause. Palestine
Egypt’s civil parties prepare for upcoming elections Following Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmi’s announcement that parliamentary elections will be held early next year, Egypt’s civil parties are holding discussions aimed at forming alliances to guarantee electoral success. Egypt
Islamic Jihad accuses Palestinian Authority of collusion with Israel In the aftermath of a security sweep, Islamic Jihad leaders in the West Bank say the Palestinian Authority is working with Israel to crack down on its activities in Jenin. Palestine
Iranians want more than a nuclear deal While most Iranians were excited about the nuclear deal, many hoped that it would be the first step of bringing normalcy and stability back to their lives. Iran
Pope Francis confronts indifference, cynicism Pope Francis has opened many vistas that constitute opportunities for enlightened policies, not only for the Catholic Church, but a significant contribution to the dialogue of civilizations. Pan Arab
Turkey's constitution commission keeps working Although the Turkish Constitution Reconciliation Commission has stalled in writing a new constitution, no political parties are eager to announce its end. Turkey
Egypt’s new government repeats its predecessor's mistakes The transitional government cannot count on the endless patience of Egypt’s public while insisting on repeating the same mistakes which ended its predecessors' reign. Egypt
Activists detained protesting outside Egypt Shura Council While the president-appointed committee met to prepare the new Egyptian Constitution, activists protested outside their meeting, only to be harassed and detained by security forces. Egypt
Efforts to impose Sharia law in Iraq spark controversy Attempts to establish Sharia law in Iraq have exacerbated political rifts in a country torn by those advocating secularism and those calling for an Islamic state. Iraq
Pottery making an endangered Gaza craft Gaza's local pottery industry is yet another victim of the Israeli-Egyptian siege, as exportation is all but impossible, and electricity cuts hinder production. Palestine
