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
Syria, Turkey more than just neighbors A civil society platform in Erzurum in eastern Turkey has funded the renovation of a damaged school building in the Syrian city of al-Bab. Syria
Trade grows as Souq al-Hal market thrives in Syria A revived Souq al-Hal market in Syria's Aleppo seems to indicate some stability has returned to the area. Originals
Jewish group takes over another Jerusalem property The chaos surrounding the issue of properties in Jerusalem point to a larger problem, namely the absence of a unified solid political leadership that can guide the city’s 330,000 Palestinians. United Arab Emirates
Why 'vintage' in this Turkish village means confectionaries, not wine In the southeastern Anatolian village of Cirali, harvesting grapes ends with a variety of sweets to consume rather than wine. Turkey
Commentary: Why Netanyahu needs a landslide victory The strategy of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against a possible indictment includes early elections and the appointment after of yes-men for the positions of IDF chief of staff and police commissioner. Israel
Israeli ministers fear attacking Netanyahu Leaders of coalition parties are avoiding any anti-Netanyahu campaign, assuming that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will also be the one forming the next government. Israel
Analysis: Reports on Russian troops in Libya spark controversy Allegations that Moscow is deploying troops to Libya have triggered domestic debate over Russia's role in the crisis. Libya
Democrats’ promised Trump probes threaten to sweep up Mideast allies Key US allies could be caught in the crosshairs as Democrats plan extensive investigations into President Donald Trump’s policies and business dealings should they win in November. Saudi Arabia
Trump weighs Saudi Arabia’s fate in Khashoggi affair The US president said “a lot of work” is being done on the disappearance of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi and promised “there'll be something that has to take place.” Saudi Arabia
Iran’s security forces face calls for accountability in wake of terrorist attack The Sept. 22 terrorist attack in the southwestern city of Ahvaz has raised an unprecedented call for Iran’s military and security forces to be held accountable. Iran
Turkey, US share cautious optimism as high-stakes Brunson trial to resume The mood is suddenly a bit lighter as Turkey's trial of US pastor Andrew Brunson continues tomorrow, after the suspected murder of a Saudi journalist offered Washington and Ankara an opportunity to work together for justice. Turkey
