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
More money troubles in the Netanyahu family The financial relationship between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his multi-millionaire American cousin Nathan Milikowsky could lead to yet another criminal investigation into the Israeli leader. Israel
Did Trump’s decision on Golan undercut Putin mediation on Syria? Russian President Vladimir Putin thought he had a deal in Helsinki; Turkey rethinks Syria ties over Kurds. Israel
Key senator looks to block Apache sale to Egypt over injured American Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., is calling for the State Department to hold a billion-dollar US helicopter sale to Egypt until Cairo pays for the medical bills of an American wounded in a 2015 attack. Egypt
What caused Erdogan’s change of heart on Hagia Sophia? Turkey’s president has pledged to change the status of Istanbul’s landmark Hagia Sophia to a mosque, going back on his previous objections to such a move and raising questions whether the pledge is merely a populist gesture ahead of elections or something more. Turkey
Iran hails Luxembourg court’s rejection of US asset seizure Iran has welcomed a decision by a Luxembourg court rejecting an attempt by families of 9/11 victims to gain access to frozen Iranian assets for alleged Iranian involvement in the 2001 al-Qaeda attacks. United States
Russian foreign minister heads to Turkey to seal visa deal The Turkish and Russian foreign ministers will meet in Antalya Friday to discuss a range of topics as a controversial missile deal between Ankara and Moscow threatens to further deteriorate Turkey-US ties. Turkey
Iran’s seeming restraint on Golan Heights puts Arab rivals in tough spot Iran’s adoption of a low-profile position on Trump’s recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights appears to be a calculated move to maximize Iran's regional interests. Israel
Hamas violence may chill anti-Abbas alliance with PLO leftists Hamas’ crackdown on Gaza Strip protesters demanding a better life has troubled the party's relations with left-wing PLO factions — relations that have grown since the anti-occupation March of Return took off a year ago. Palestine
Golan residents unhappy, yet unsurprised by US decision Golan Heights residents were dismayed but not altogether shocked by the US president's sudden decision to recognize Israel's annexation of their homeland. Israel
Will Iraq close all inspectors general offices? Iraq's parliament has passed a resolution to close all inspectors general offices, a move some fear may open the door to widespread corruption in the country. Iraq
China eyes Lebanese port to launch investments in Syria, region As China looks to play an active role in the reconstruction of Syria, Tripoli, Lebanon’s second-largest port, is preparing for major investments. Lebanon
New crossing aims to restore Aleppo’s economic status Civilians and traders in northern Syria hope commercial activities will resume there now that the Abu al-Zandeen crossing is open, linking regime-controlled territory to Turkish-backed opposition areas for the first time. Syria
