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
Jordanians polarized by effort to restrict firearms The Jordanian legislature is considering amendments to limit the possession of firearms to curtail the spread of illegal weapons and crime. Jordan
Kurds gain support, perhaps invitation to Syrian talks There appear to be serious attempts to include the Kurds in the negotiations aimed at resolving the Syrian crisis. Syria
Work in Israeli settlements means high risks, no safety net for Palestinian laborers Most of the 36,000 Palestinians who work in Israeli settlements across the West Bank lack basic benefits including personal protection equipment and have little to no recourse when the worst happens. Palestine
Sisi transfers control of northern Sinai port to army for security reasons Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi issued a decision to transfer control of el-Arish port in northern Sinai to the armed forces, a move critics say tightens the army’s grip on the country’s institutions. Egypt
Israelis are Trump's biggest fans President Donald Trump faces growing criticism in the United States over his anti-immigrant approach, but in Israel he is considered a hero. Israel
How Russian business could shape Mideast's future security architecture Russia has been engaged in the Levantine oil and gas sectors for some time, but now Moscow could use that foothold to help build lasting security in the region. Iraq
Syria safe zone: Can US reconcile conflicting demands of Turkey, YPG A US delegation is visiting Turkey for "safe zone" talks amid the Turkish army's increasing activities along the Syrian border, which are signaling a possible new military operation. Syria
US hits back at Iran in Iraq as tensions rise The United States is targeting pro-Iranian politicians and militants in Iraq. Iraq
Special Forces face down impacts of war on terror The Pentagon’s Special Operations Command is planning to study the impacts of the 17-year war on terror in the Middle East on the force. Near East
Source: Iran FM met Rand Paul to feel out possible US-Iran talks US Senator Rand Paul reportedly spoke with Iran's foreign minister this week with the president's permission, and some experts believe the quiet meeting could be the beginnings of an effort to negotiate. United States
While the world focuses on Iran, a tragedy is ‘unfolding before our eyes’ in Idlib Trump asks Putin to protect Idlib; Putin seeks options to capitalize on impasse in Syria safe zone talks; Russia wins on S-400 sale to Turkey. Syria
Will Russia succeed where the US has failed? Russian President Vladimir Putin recently called his Palestinian counterpart, Mahmoud Abbas, and expressed his readiness to push the peace process forward and resume negotiations. Palestine
