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
For young Israeli Arabs, strong party means strong integration The young Israeli Arab generation seeks greater integration into Israeli society, including a strong Joint List party that will fight for their interests. Israel
What impact will Lebanon’s looming debt crisis have on its society and economy? Lebanon’s government is still negotiating the issue of Eurobonds maturing next week, with analysts saying that whatever the steps, Lebanon will face an even more agonizing economic downturn. Lebanon
Israel dismantles weapons cell in West Bank Israel announced the arrest of dozens of people allegedly involved in the production of weapons in the West Bank. Palestine
Some Syrian regime fighters defecting when forced to front lines With renewed fighting in northern Syria, regime officers are transferring conscripted young men from Daraa in the south to the front lines of the battles, leading to defections. Syria
Egypt takes measures in response to collapse of Renaissance Dam talks As Egypt faces a decrease in its water share as a result of the Grand Renaissance Dam construction in Ethiopia, parliament is now focusing on reducing the domestic use of water through laws and awareness campaigns. Egypt
Situation remains heated in Syria's Idlib as Putin, Erdogan reach deal The Syrian regime and opposition factions are racing for military control on the ground in Idlib, while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Moscow to discuss a cease-fire. Syria
Could Israel’s president block indicted Netanyahu from premiership? In the coming weeks, President Reuven Rivlin will have to decide whether he wants to go down in history as the first president to offer the leadership of the state to an elected official accused of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. Israel
Gaza's female softball players in league of their own Baseball and softball fever is sweeping Gaza, where women and girls are learning to swing. Palestine
US not planning to send new weapons to Turkey for Syria campaign The State Department clarifies its special envoy's remarks that the United States would be supplying ammunition to Turkey — which has been engaged in battle in Idlib, Syria — saying only that the United States is considering Turkish requests for assistance. Syria
UN nuclear watchdog: Iran dragging feet on access to nuclear sites International Atomic Energy Agency, in two separate reports, says Iran is not granting the IAEA access to sites suspected of past involvement in Iran's nuclear program and says Iran has significantly increased its stockpile of low-enriched uranium at the Fordow facility. Iran
What's behind Ankara's decision to lift visit ban on jailed PKK leader? The Turkish government's decision to allow family visits for Abdullah Ocalan may be linked to Ankara's ongoing operation in northwest Syria. Syria
Iran risks confrontation with Turkey over Idlib While Iran's military command in Syria has issued direct warnings aimed at Turkey, President Hassan Rouhani and the Iranian foreign ministry continue to insist on the role of diplomacy and dialogue. Lebanon
