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
Iraq Must Accommodate Foreign Workers to Boost Investments In a sign of bureaucratic inefficiency, Iraq admits that it has not been properly accommodating foreign workers coming into the country working for oil companies. Iraq
In Egypt, Hundreds Accused Of Espionage, Having Weapons In a widespread "anti-terrorism campaign," the Egyptian police has started going after members and relatives of the Brotherhood — and after liberals, as well. Egypt
On Syria, Iran to Do 'What’s Appropriate' Iranian leaders warn of the consequences of a Western military attack on Syria but will weigh their options for a response, if any. Syria
How Would US Strike Against Syria Affect Lebanon? As the world awaits a likely US-led military strike on Syria, many in Lebanon are concerned about the potential repercussions such an action could have on them. Lebanon
Three Scenarios for Day After Attack on Syria The possible outcomes of a US-launched war on Syria. Lebanon
Experts in Turkey Differ on Syria Policy A group of well-informed experts on Syria warned that Turkey may face unprecedented challenges after a potential military strike against the Assad regime. Syria
'Baghdad Belt' Deals With New Sectarian Tensions Once a paradigm of multi-sectarian coexistence, the towns in the area circling the Iraqi capital known as the "Baghdad belt" have been some of the first victims of increased security measures and sectarian incitement in a turbulent Iraq. Iraq
Peace Talks Continue Despite Rising Mideast Tensions The world is looking at Syria and Egypt while Israeli-Palestinian negotiations in Washington continue discreetly. Palestine
Israel Should Heed Syrian Lessons In Dealing with Iran The Obama administration's inaction and discourse on Syria must serve as a warning sign to Israel when dealing with the Iranian threat. Israel
Erdogan’s Fateful Season The real danger for the Turkish prime minister is in the warning signs of the economy. Egypt
Is There a Place for Jews In Future Palestinian State? Anyone who expects Palestinians to welcome Jewish settlements with open arms in their future state should first examine Israel’s attitude toward the Palestinian minority in its own. Palestine
Iran Divides Iraqi Politicians Iran’s long-standing and deep involvement in Iraqi politics has recently witnessed a backlash. Iraq
