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
Biden transition, Gulf leaders should start talking about Iran Saudi Arabia and the UAE should reach out to the Biden team now, creating a back channel to promote both Gulf and US security interests in the final months of Trump's presidency. Iran
US to reduce troops in Iraq but not Syria, official says US national security officials say Trump's order to end wars will not halt the Pentagon's counterterror operations abroad. Iraq
Trump's national security adviser says ending Gulf rift 'priority' Qatar has been under a land, sea and air blockade by four regional states since 2017. Qatar
Poverty spikes in Iran as prices for essential goods rise Inflation in Iran continues unabated, forcing further economic pressure and poverty on low-income households. Iran
Israelis try resettling West Bank settlement evacuated in 2005 Families evacuated from the West Bank Sa-Nur settlement in 2005 sneaked back during the night and vowed to resettle the site. Israel
Egypt cracks down on blasphemy in wave of arrests The recent arrests of both Christians and Muslims accused of insulting Islam have renewed calls from rights groups to end prosecution for blasphemy in Egypt. Egypt
With Trump on way out, Netanyahu nails together settlement legacy With US President-elect Joe Biden preparing to take office, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is rushing to set his settlement achievements in stone. Israel
Gulf oil exporters look past Biden’s green energy platform The possible return of Iranian crude to global markets is a short-term concern for Gulf oil producers, which expect to be the last man standing in a decarbonizing world. Saudi Arabia
Netanyahu goes for broke in Trump's last two months Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is still hoping to squeeze last-minute favors from outgoing US President Donald Trump at the expense of his relationship with the incoming administration. Israel
Opposition factions in Idlib prepare for imminent Syrian government offensive After Turkey withdrew from observation posts within regime-controlled areas, Syria and Russia stepped up their attacks in Idlib, raising fears of an imminent battle. Syria
Russia to establish naval base in Sudan The combat capability of the Russian navy in the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean would be significantly increased with a military base on Sudan’s Red Sea coast. Russia
UAE narrows search for next Emirati astronauts The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center will select two applicants from a shortlist of 61 potential astronauts. United Arab Emirates
