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
Turkey plays extra time in Idlib game with new ‘army’ plan Turkey is reportedly planning to forge a unified militia army in Idlib, but discord among armed groups and the clout of jihadi factions stand out as major stumbling blocks in the way of the new game plan. Syria
Turkey investigates opposition mayors over coronavirus aid campaign The Turkish government is using the COVID-19 crisis to further squeeze rivals, this time with a criminal investigation into pandemic fundraising efforts by opposition mayors. Turkey
Deadly floods join war, disease to ravage Yemen Recent floods have left at least five dead and injured nearly 100 others as Yemen struggles with war and a growing coronavirus crisis. Yemen
Intel: J Street endorsement sets up battle with AIPAC for Biden’s ear Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, accepted a major endorsement from the lobbying group J Street today, setting up a battle for the former vice president’s ear with the left-leaning organization’s main rival, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. Israel
Iraq summons Turkish ambassador over deadly PKK airstrikes The Turkish military launched two airstrikes on Iraqi territory, prompting a rebuke from the Iraqi Foreign Ministry. Iraq
Coronavirus outbreak exposes health risks of coal rush The coronavirus outbreak could serve as a wake-up call for coal-dependent countries, as it proves how closely human lives depend on air quality. Turkey
How US dumping duties will affect Egypt’s aluminum industry The United States, one of Egypt’s key target markets, intends to impose customs duties on Egyptian aluminum sheets imports, which could hamper expansion and production increase. Egypt
Despite hero worship, Turkey's doctors continue to face threats, violence Doctors and medical associations worry Turkey's new law that includes heavier penalties for physical and verbal attacks against health care workers may do little to change the situation on the ground. Turkey
Netanyahu's right-wing bloc starts cracking The constant stalling and refusal of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to conclude a national unity agreement start irritating even his closest allies within the right-wing camp. Israel
Whispers in Ankara identify potential Erdogan rival in Soylu President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s rejection of his most popular minister’s resignation has led to questions about the new balance of power in Ankara amid the coronavirus pandemic. Turkey
How is Palestine dealing with added hunger, poverty from COVID-19? Thousands of new Palestinian households fell below the poverty line due to COVID-19 which is an additional challenge to the government’s efforts in the fight against the epidemic and ramifications on the community. Palestine
Israel: Last act before fourth elections Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plays for time before making the decision whether to join a unity government with Blue and White’s Benny Gantz or go for broke and generate a fourth set of elections. Israel
