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
Palestinians lose trust in PA Even though Palestinians have lost trust in the Palestinian Authority, analysts believe they will not go as far as demanding its collapse as there is no alternative. Palestine
Hamas breaks silence on its leader detained by Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia arrested Hamas leader Mohammed al-Khodari, his son and a number of Palestinians, ushering in increased tension in relations between the two sides. Saudi Arabia
PA isn't paying Gaza’s civil servants as it doesn't possess enough information The Palestinian government instructed ministries to collect data on their public servants so they can be paid properly. Palestine
Saudi oil facility attack challenges Washington's regional commitment While the recent attacks on two Saudi oil facilities will impact global oil prices, it is the US commitment in the region that is under attack. Saudi Arabia
Beirut photo festival offers analogue experience in digital age The Beirut Image Festival, in its first year, is providing a forum for young photographers raised on the digital imagery of social media to get a taste of the art of photography by exhibiting their works in venues alongside veteran photographers. Lebanon
Iran sends a powerful signal to counter Iraqi nationalist trend Iraqi populist Muqtada al-Sadr’s trip to Iran presents opportunity for the United States. Iraq
GCC countries miss chance to grant women full citizenship rights The tensions polarizing the Gulf region could have triggered long-awaited citizenship reforms, but the right to automatically pass on nationality remains a male preserve. Saudi Arabia
As Israel’s anti-Iran strategy shifts into higher gear, worries of fresh conflict grow Israel's escalated campaign to contain Iran and its Hezbollah allies has provoked fear that a new conflict may erupt among neighbors. Iraq
Netanyahu’s magic no longer working Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu failed to garner a 61-seat majority in the elections, and could be now facing his political demise. Israel
Netanyahu down but not out Despite the disappointing numbers emerging from Israel's election, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is telling his supporters that he is not done yet and that he intends to fight. Israel
What is Iran's message in Sadr meeting with Khamenei? Iran presents Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's appearance with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as a victory against the United States, Israel and Saudi Arabia. Iraq
Can trade dialogue help improve Turkish-US ties? Amid the lingering threat of US sanctions on Turkey over its purchase of Russian missiles, US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross paid a long visit to Turkey, leading many to believe bilateral trade will be set apart from the political rows between the two countries. Syria
