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 puts US military sales to Turkey in jeopardy Lawmakers in both chambers want to penalize the NATO ally for detaining an American pastor and signing arms deals with Russia. Turkey
Iran maneuvers around gaps to preserve interests in Syria The West’s new activism on Syria is pushing Iran to adapt its approach, though its bottom line remains the same. Israel
Iran split over talks with Europe to save nuclear deal Iranian media outlets and officials are divided over working with Europe to save the nuclear deal, with hard-liners and conservatives insisting new negotiations will offer Tehran nothing. Iran
Calls mount for Turkey to release jailed Kurdish politician ahead of vote Nationalist presidential candidate Meral Aksener has joined a growing chorus demanding the release of politician Selahattin Demirtas, who is staging a quixotic bid to become head of state from his prison cell. Turkey
How many houses does Egypt's legislature need? Proposals to revive Egypt’s Shura Council are stirring controversy over whether the body would help or hinder the legislative process. Egypt
Bill would spend Palestinian taxes on Israeli families An Israeli bill designed to restrict how the Palestinian Authority spends its revenues is on the fast track in the Knesset. Palestine
Dignity and death on Gaza's border Palestinians in Gaza risking their lives protesting on the border with Israel say living conditions have become unbearable inside the besieged enclave, which has been under an Israeli blockade since 2007. Palestine
Israelis divided after tumultuous week Israelis were caught in a storm of emotions this week, with many rejoicing the relocation of the US Embassy to Jerusalem and other wins while others are sickened by celebrations while Gazan protesters are killed. Palestine
Can Israeli-Turkish rift be mended? With the latest mudslinging between Israeli and Turkish leaders following the killing of at least 62 Palestinians by Israeli forces in Gaza, some in Israel are calling for a tougher approach toward Ankara instead of holding back in an effort to maintain proper relations. Palestine
As Trump squeezes Iran, Europe squirms Europe and the Donald Trump administration are increasingly at odds, as Europe tries to rescue the Iran nuclear deal and Trump tries to squeeze it into making further concessions. United States
Pentagon OKs $90 million for Lebanese army amid Hezbollah gains The Donald Trump administration is outfitting the Lebanese Armed Forces with supply trucks and Humvees. Lebanon
US exit from nuclear deal driving Russia, Iran closer Moscow and Tehran are willing to tackle multiple challenges to improve their business dealings despite US sanctions. Russia
