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
Why Arabs are pressuring PA to take part in Bahrain summit Some Arab countries are placing political and financial pressure on the Palestinian Authority to reconsider its rejection of the Bahrain economic workshop, which the United States is holding later this month to kick off its peace plan. Legacy: Gulf
Some Palestinians up in arms over weapons proliferation The Palestinian Authority is being criticized for failing to end the spread of weapons among citizens in the West Bank, where family disputes often end tragically. Palestine
Ottoman fountains testify to heritage of charity, style Water fountains became functional and artistic ornaments in Istanbul, the Ottoman capital, pioneering architectural trends and incorporating historical information. Turkey
US investigates claims that Syria used chlorine gas again Syria is accused of shelling the opposition-controlled Kabana area in northern Latakia with chlorine gas after failing to advance in the area. Syria
Saudi summits mask Gulf divisions Saudi Arabia's three summits last week made for impressive imagery, but the unity they projected was superficial. Saudi Arabia
US denies willingness to talk over S-400 concerns with Turkey A Pentagon spokesman told Al-Monitor that its concerns with Ankara’s purchase of the Russian missile defense system “cannot be mitigated.” Turkey
How Russia defends its Syrian air base from attacks Russia has been using attacks on its air base in Khmeimim as a leverage in talks with Turkey over Idlib, but has also taken some practical steps to counter the assaults. Syria
Syrian cuisine becomes Ramadan delight in Egypt Fasting Egyptians are branching out from traditional meals and exploring the efficient and affordable restaurants run by Syrian, Iraqi and other immigrants. Egypt
After Syria, Pentagon ramps up electronic warfare efforts A new team at the US Defense Department is addressing the growing Russian threat to American military technology after Moscow's jamming complicated the Syrian battlefield. Russia
How feasible is Khamenei’s economic doctrine for Iran? In one of his most comprehensive explanations of his economic doctrine, Iran’s supreme leader outlined his focus on self-sufficiency, import substitution, putting an end to oil dependence and prioritizing the agricultural sector. Iran
Pro-Iran events fizzle as Iraqis steer clear of regional drama Iraqis are making it clear that they want no part in the regional conflict surrounding Iran while their leaders offer mediation to avoid war. Iraq
