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 'Putin's personal army' chief visited Turkey Viktor Zolotov, the head of Russian National Guard, also known as Vladimir Putin's personal army, paid a surprising visit to Turkey's capital. Turkey
Palestinian workers might finally have labor courts to settle their cases The Palestinian Labor Ministry has agreed with the UN International Labor Organization to help establish competent courts to rule on employment and labor-related matters and disputes. Palestine
Turkey’s debt-ridden Treasury mulls risky steps to stay afloat Grappling with a growing budget deficit and with little room to maneuver, Ankara has come to consider some unorthodox measures, including the high-risk idea of tapping the central bank’s rainy-day cash. Turkey
Iraqi tribes seek to heal enduring wounds of IS legacy Sunni tribes in Iraq that were under the control of the Islamic State for about three years are working toward social reconciliation to end lingering conflict and incidents of revenge. Iraq
What does the UAE expect from Egypt? Political analysts believe Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to Cairo helps solidify UAE-Egypt relations as the situation escalates in the Gulf. Saudi Arabia
Amid protests, Lebanon’s Cabinet faces difficult choices on public sector austerity Analysts doubt that Lebanon’s Cabinet will be able to reduce the budget deficit and salvage the long-term health of the Lebanese economy without taking unpopular austerity measures, and not taking them would lead to an even more dire economic situation. Lebanon
Can Palestinians survive PA's disengagement from Israel? The Palestinian Authority's announced goal of disengaging from Israel appears to be dismissive of the geo-political environment in which it is operating and the devastating consequences such a move will have for Palestinians on the West Bank and in Gaza. Saudi Arabia
Turkey groans under economic pressure from Saudis Once Turkey's biggest foreign buyers of real estate, Saudis are increasingly boycotting the country as the kingdom's chamber of commerce warns citizens away. Saudi Arabia
What to do about Iran’s expected budget deficit The impact of US sanctions on Iranian energy exports is bound to cause a budget deficit in Iran, with the Rouhani administration facing tough choices ahead. Iran
Likud seniors silent on hate campaign against Netanyahu’s rival Senior Likud members are so afraid about their future Cabinet portfolios, they keep silent over the incitement campaign launched by associates of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against Gideon Saar. Israel
Iran, US trade tweets as talk of war dies down Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif responded to Donald Trump’s tweets in a sign that both sides want to reduce tension. United States
Netanyahu battles judicial system, tarnishes Israel’s image Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is destroying Israel's image as a democratic state in a shameless battle against the Supreme Court in an attempt to protect himself from indictment. Israel
