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
Saudi Arabia faces mounting calls to end war in Yemen The recent killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi has cast a shadow over Saudi Arabia's standing with Western countries, which are now pressuring the kingdom to bring an end to the suffering in Yemen. Saudi Arabia
New Iraqi chief embraces Iran-backed PMU despite US efforts Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units is establishing its position and influence in the government of new Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi. Iraq
Egypt helps Tanzania develop new source of electricity After Egypt’s Arab Contractors was awarded the design and construction contract of the Stiegler's Gorge hydroelectric power station on the Rufiji River in Tanzania, experts and officials say such a decision could reduce tension among the Nile’s riparian states. Egypt
Can Tehran’s next mayor unite Iran’s Reformists? Tehran has elected its third mayor in 18 months and he has a challenging road ahead to unite a divided Reformist camp. Iran
The politics behind Iranian women's entry to Azadi stadium Iranian women were allowed into Tehran’s Azadi Stadium last week to watch a high-profile soccer match live. A lot of politics were at play to make that happen. Iran
How Hamas will stop future Israeli operations in Gaza As Palestinians and Israelis try to reveal the objective behind the recent Israeli operation inside the Gaza Strip, Hamas is stepping up its efforts to counter future incidents, even with a cease-fire in place. Palestine
Liberman's exit offers Netanyahu chance to build new coalition Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must seize the opportunity of Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman’s departure to form a new Gaza policy and a peace-seeking coalition. Palestine
South Israel rages at Netanyahu as Liberman bows out Residents of Israel's southern communities are furious with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for failing to respond to Hamas' recent rocket fire with an operation in Gaza, and his defense minister's resignation has left him alone with the blame. Palestine
Trump taps unconventional US general with history of engagement with Iran for Saudi posting Retired US Central Command chief John Abizaid will take the helm of the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia after a career of seeking engagement with Iran. Saudi Arabia
Republicans quash Democrats’ bid to force the US out of Yemen war House Republicans have temporarily stopped a vote instructing President Donald Trump to end “hostilities” against the Houthi rebels. Saudi Arabia
Is Putin getting serious on Libya? As Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev led the Russian delegation to the Palermo conference on Libya, Moscow spoke of its economic interests in the country but, most importantly, was sending a strong political message to warring factions. Libya
Hard-liners call for Zarif's head over money laundering comment Iran's foreign minister is facing harsh criticism from hard-liners after his surprisingly frank remarks about money laundering in the country. Iran
