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 government stresses unity, yet ostracizes Hamas Palestinian prime minister-designate Mohammad Shtayyeh is gearing up to form and head a new Palestinian government after having met with different factions. Will he be able to pull it off? Palestine
Gaza fishermen hope for new start with expanded zone Palestinians are pleased with the Israeli army's decision to expand the Gaza Strip fishing zone, though fishermen there still have to recover from years of hardship that have taken their toll. Palestine
Mismanaged energy sector destroys viability of Jordan's industrial businesses Business owners in Jordan are calling on the government to adopt long-term strategies to reform the energy sector that is threatening their survival. Jordan
Russia expands ties in Lebanon’s oil, gas sector Russia has gotten a huge head start on the United States in gaining access to Lebanon’s oil and gas sector, allowing Moscow to continue to strengthen its economic position across the Middle East. Israel
A political storm called Gantz Polls indicate that Blue and White leader Benny Gantz is getting closer and closer to toppling Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the April 9 elections. Can he make it? Israel
Far-right candidate threatens parties across Israeli political spectrum Former militant right-wing ideologue Moshe Feiglin has reinvented himself and with support from both the right and the left, could hold the key to Israel's upcoming coalition negotiations. Israel
Pentagon nixes Turkish offer to address S-400 fears The Pentagon will not consider a Turkish proposal to create a bilateral working group to temper US fears over Ankara’s looming acquisition of the Russian S-400 air defense system. Turkey
Istanbul mayoral front-runner retains lead during recount Ekrem Imamoglu, the opposition candidate for mayor, says it’s impossible for his opponent to overtake him, but supporters of the ruling party’s Binali Yildirim say their man will win if the recount is expanded. Turkey
Congress stares down Trump on Yemen war After five votes, Congress has finally passed a bill ending US support for the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen, but it faces a likely veto from President Donald Trump. Saudi Arabia
The economic balance sheet of Turkey’s local elections The ruling party's loss of major economic centers in local elections deprives it of major resources amid a bruising economic crisis. Turkey
Gays in Tunisia still suffer under archaic laws A new report on Tunisia's sodomy law highlights how members of the LGBTQ community who turn to police for protection can instead be subjected to abuse and violence. Tunisia
The grand delusion: The Israeli right's quest for Arab votes After advocating and adoption of the Nationality Law and inciting against Arabs, Israeli right-wing parties are fervently wooing the Arab vote. Israel
