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
Abbas rallies election support, with or without Hamas The Arab League has announced its backing for Palestinian legislative elections, as Hamas and Fatah remain divided over them. Palestine
Why this activist pins her hopes on Tunisia's new president Marwa Heni, who has founded an association to help Tunisian marginalized groups, pins her hopes on the new president. Tunisia
Turkish attacks cut water supply to Syrian province Shelling by Turkey in northeastern Syria has damaged the main water station supplying Hasakah province, where thousands of people, including many fleeing the Turkish invasion to the north, are at risk of not having safe drinking water. Syria
Palestinians seek Egypt’s support to join free trade pact Palestinians are anxiously awaiting admittance to an Arab free trade agreement that should help reduce their economic dependence on Israel. Palestine
Algerian regime steps up repression against protests Algeria's interim government appears to be ramping up its response to Hirak activists taking part in popular protests, including resorting to extended pre-hearing detentions and holding protesters in inhumane conditions. Algeria
Is Egypt encouraging investments in gold mines? The Egyptian government plans to add the taxes and royalties system to the new amendments of the Mineral Resources Law, thus replacing the current production-sharing system in place. Egypt
Why Israel’s Gantz should propose a minority government Blue and White leader Benny Gantz should remember that over the years, Israel's narrowly led governments generated much larger moves than unity governments did. Palestine
Congress noncommittal on Turkey sanctions The House and several Republican senators are ready to move on a harsh Turkey sanctions package, but Senate leadership is more cautious. Syria
Palestinian film festival stars gender-based violence This year's Palestinian Cinema Days film festival took up the problems faced by women in the region and beyond. Palestine
Anger pushes sanctions in Washington as Pence, Pompeo visit Ankara Following an initial delay, multiple sanctions targeting Turkey are emerging from the White House, Congress and Justice Department as a US delegation visits Ankara to negotiate a cease-fire in Syria. Syria
Angry protests, empty seats overshadow Rouhani speech Leaders of several student unions walked out of a commencement speech by President Hassan Rouhani after they were barred from the podium. Iran
