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
New Knesset convenes in shadow of Netanyahu's legal limbo After the swearing in of Israel's 21st Knesset, the Blue and White party will focus its attacks against the government on the corruption charges facing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel
Saudi-led coalition begins paying US back for overdue Yemen war bills Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are on the hook for a $299 million billing error for aerial refueling. Originals
US sends Syria envoy to Ankara ahead of Geneva talks US Syria envoy Jim Jeffrey is expected to meet with Turkish officials to discuss the US-backed Kurdish militants along its border as part of his continuing efforts to arrange a safe zone in the area. Syria
After cleric's murder, Iranians debate hate speech on social media The murder of a cleric in Iran has opened a new battle between Reformists and hard-liners, as the two sides clash over who instigated the killing. Iran
Why Iran-US confrontation may intensify under new IRGC commander A sharp-tongued commander taking the helm of Iran's most powerful military force has been interpreted by many as a signal that Tehran is bracing for more tensions, including a possible military conflict with the United States. Iran
Delicate art form floats into modern Egypt The intricate golden and silver embroidery called tally has a long tradition in Upper Egypt, and a small community of craftspeople is working to make sure its future is just as bright. Egypt
Sisi sees great promise in China-Egypt partnerships President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi attended China's second forum on its Belt and Road Initiative with the aim of boosting trade and promoting investments. Egypt
Will Banque du Caire’s second go at privatization succeed? Banque du Caire hopes to raise $300-400 million by selling a 20-30% stake in it this year. Egypt
More Druze risk prison to reject military service in Israel A campaign launched years ago continues to have an impact as more Arab Druze in Israel are refusing to join the army despite the risk of imprisonment. Palestine
Egypt's first female polo team rides to victory Farah Awadalla, the daughter of one of Egypt's best-known polo players, has started her own all-female team in Cairo. Egypt
Israel’s new housing minister – minister of West Bank settlements? United Right member Bezalel Smotrich may receive the Israeli Cabinet's housing portfolio in order to promote construction in West Bank settlements. Palestine
Trump pressed to punish Saudi Arabia over religious intolerance A federal commission on religious freedom wants the president to end a decadelong pass for Riyadh. Saudi Arabia
