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
No talks about peace for Israel in its electoral agenda The center-left parties missed on an opportunity this week to restore the two-state solution to the election agenda as an antithesis to the right-wing vision of annexation. Israel
Will Russia reinforce Iraq's air defenses? Iraqi authorities are considering moves to reinforce the country's air defense systems with Russian help following alleged Israeli strikes. Iraq
Personal cost of journalism, political activism in Iran remains high Iran’s judiciary appears to be tightening the noose on media and political activists under its new chief justice in what some analysts believe is a byproduct of growing international pressure. Iran
Pompeo, Mnuchin say no preconditions for Iran meeting as Trump ousts Bolton After President Donald Trump announced that he had fired his national security adviser John Bolton over very strong policy disagreements, Trump’s top diplomat and treasury chief reiterated that Trump has no preconditions to meet with Iran. United States
Iran, Hamas seek benefits of mutual military support As the United States becomes more involved in the Middle East, its actions are driving Hamas and Tehran closer. Palestine
Tel Aviv's dismal voter turnout could play into Likud’s hands The Blue and White Party must now focus on persuading Tel Aviv's liberal residents to get out and vote. Israel
Senior Likud leaders stick with Netanyahu by hook or by crook All senior Likud leaders, including those who consider themselves candidates to succeed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, are sticking with him. Israel
Pentagon fears Islamic State surge in Iraqi Kurdistan The Donald Trump administration is concerned that the Islamic State could take advantage of ongoing disputes between Iraq’s government and Kurdish authorities to gain refuge in the war-torn country. Iraq
Netanyahu gets little from Putin in Sochi meeting The meeting that took place on Thursday between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin produced no change in Moscow’s policy on Iran. Israel
Jordan Valley annexation — Netanyahu’s desperate last card Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced he would annex the Jordan Valley after the elections. He hopes this announcement will sideline unpleasant issues for him, such as the police investigation or a possible Trump-Rouhani meeting. Palestine
Netanyahu fights best with his back against the wall Fortunately for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the multiple crises hitting both Israel and his campaign may light a fire under the right. Israel
