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
Hamas claims victory on arrangement with Israel Israel and Hamas have agreed to a modest arrangement involving nonviolent demonstrations along the fence while the Gaza siege is temporarily eased. Palestine
Beirut's lively graffiti scene paints political commentary in broad strokes A new book explores how graffiti artists in Beirut skirt limitations on expression to share political criticism in the streets. Lebanon
Gaza University launches drama course, but few enroll Riyad Saidam, an actor and playwright, has just launched a drama school in the Gaza Strip, a dream he has had since the mid-1980s. Palestine
Turkish prosecutor shares grisly details of Khashoggi killing Turkey is pressing on with its campaign to force the kingdom to admit its culpability in the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Saudi Arabia
Is the Turkish-German spring illusive? Turkey and Germany are demonstrating willingness to set aside political rows and focus on economic ties, but the thaw in the relationship guarantees neither the investments Turkey expects nor the solution of accumulated problems. Turkey
Who’s to blame for deaths in Jordan flood? Jordanians held the government responsible for the Dead Sea incident that claimed the lives of 21 people, including 15 children. Jordan
Gaza, Israel: They call this a truce While Egypt continues to mediate a truce between the Gaza Strip and Israel, both sides continue their attacks, considering each assault "retaliation" for the other side's volley. Palestine
Hamas, Palestinian Authority deny charges in HRW report A recent report by Human Rights Watch accuses authorities in the West Bank and Gaza Strip of arbitrary arrests and torture — charges that both sides reject. Palestine
Iranians hail Houthi 'resistance' for bringing potential end to Yemen war A US call for a cease-fire in Yemen has been widely interpreted in Iran as a victory for the Houthi movement. Saudi Arabia
Rouhani sticks to same old insiders in disappointing cabinet reshuffle President Hassan Rouhani’s choices to lead four key ministries emerged from a faulty process that must be replaced with a merit-based system that brings in fresher and younger faces. Iran
Four insights on municipal elections in Israel Municipal elections in Israel reflect more and more the public’s mood and political inclinations ahead of the general elections. Israel
Egypt seizes 'fake news' book by economist critical of Sisi Egypt has released economic researcher Abdel Khalek Farouk but is investigating his new book, which says the country's economic crisis can be blamed at least in part on corruption and mismanagement of funds. Egypt
