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
Congress calls out Pompeo over Egypt aid waiver Democratic senators warned Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that a recent US waiver to allow military aid to Egypt could be seen as an “endorsement” of human rights abuses. Egypt
Why Chinese public diplomacy is failing in Iran While political and economic engagement between Iran and China continues to increase, China’s image remains poor as it is hostage to factional disputes within Iran. Iran
Istanbul police interrogate Saudi Consulate staff The Turkish president has fallen quiet since a conversation with the Saudi crown prince, though the team investigating the alleged murder of dissident Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was blocked from searching a well at the consul general's residence. Saudi Arabia
Khamenei says Iran did not encourage fighters to go to Syria, Iraq Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stressed the importance of Iranian fighters in Iraq and Syria in continuing Shiite commemorations. Iran
Netanyahu backs main Likud rival into corner A dramatic exchange of accusations between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a former minister seen as his likely successor has backfired on Gideon Sa'ar and left Netanyahu more untouchable than ever. Israel
How Egypt tries putting off Gaza outburst Egypt presented to Israel its latest compromise proposal for limiting Hamas demonstrations on the Gaza-Israel border, in exchange for Israel opening the crossing points for fuel and raw materials. Palestine
Erdogan won't admit it, but Canal Istanbul dream is over Canal Istanbul, the Turkish president's "crazy project," appears destined for the bin amid Turkey’s economic turmoil, but don't expect its shelving to be officially acknowledged. Turkey
King Abdullah’s move to terminate parts of peace treaty seen as snub to Netanyahu The king’s decision not to renew the leases of Jordanian lands to Israel under the 1994 peace treaty was seen as a bold move that might divert attention from the difficult economic decisions that the government and parliament must make by the end of the year, according to analysts. Israel
Egypt-Russia partnership deal takes bilateral ties to new heights Egypt and Russia's recently signed cooperation agreement is expected to restore political and economic relations between the two countries and build on longstanding ties. Egypt
Gazans flee to Europe, illegally Palestinians are increasingly seeking to leave the Gaza Strip given the deteriorating living conditions, seeking refuge in Europe. Palestine
As Khashoggi slaying case evolves, so does Saudi story A few countries are proclaiming strong support for Saudi Arabia, while others bide their time as the investigation unfolds. Saudi Arabia
