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's Kurdish-led region decries lack of international support in COVID-19 fight Syria's northeast is left with little outside assistance to fight the coronavirus pandemic and requires much more international support. Syria
Intel: Trump, Erdogan discuss coronavirus as pandemic worsens in Turkey President Donald Trump and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed the COVID-19 pandemic on Sunday as the coronavirus rapidly spreads through both countries. Turkey
Israeli opposition shatters into Blue against White Former Blue and White partners Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid are now officially rivals for the same center-left electorate. Israel
Erdogan’s dream airport in dire straits amid pandemic The company operating Istanbul’s new mega airport appears unlikely to hold on for even a few months without assistance, as the COVID-19 pandemic hits Turkey’s aviation industry. Turkey
UAE exempts coronavirus patients, doctors from Ramadan fast Religious authorities in the United Arab Emirates have said patients suffering from COVID-19 and doctors treating them are exempt from fasting for Ramadan. United Arab Emirates
Back to the future on US-Iraq strategic dialogue The announcement of US-Iraq talks in June is considered by many Iraqis and observers as overdue, and comes as there appears to be backing for continuing the partnership, under adjusted terms. Iraq
Coronavirus lockdown uncovers vulnerability of Tunisia’s economy Despite government measures to help those most affected by a general lockdown aimed at containing the spread of the coronavirus, Tunisia’s economy is being dealt a heavy blow. Tunisia
Gang rape of disabled woman horrifies Iraqis A sexual assault on a mentally disabled Kurdish woman in a predominantly Turkmen town has shocked and outraged people across Iraq. Iraq
Cash-strapped Lebanon struggles amid the coronavirus crisis Various sectors in Lebanon, a country grappling with its worst economic crisis in decades, have been hit hard by the measures imposed to stem the spread of the coronavirus. Lebanon
Arab Israelis prepare for subdued Ramadan Ramadan is just a few days away, but in Arab Israeli towns and villages there is no holiday spirit in the air. Israel
UAE launches region's first 'fatwa-approved' lottery The United Arab Emirates has launched the region’s first fully digital and live lottery drawing at a time the world economy suffers under the coronavirus crisis. Originals
Secret relationships in times of the coronavirus The coronavirus crisis has put more constraints on the love lives of many Lebanese young people, especially those who are in interreligious or gay relationships. Lebanon
