Tunisian police fire water cannon, tear gas on anti-Saied protesters The protesters gathered in downtown Tunis on what marked the 11th anniversary of the uprising that toppled Tunisia's former dictator. Al-Monitor Staff | Tunisia | Jan 14, 2022 A Tunisian demonstrator waves his country's national flag during protests against President Kais Saied on the 11th anniversary of the Tunisian revolution in the capital, Tunis, on Jan. 14, 2022.
Israeli ultra-Orthodox leaders push for children to get vaccinated Surprisingly, the ultra-Orthodox sector is now at the forefront of the campaign to vaccinate children against the coronavirus. Israel Hershkovitz | Israel | Jan 14, 2022
Northern Syria health care plagued by issues as UN extends cross-border aid A US-based group of doctors conducted a detailed assessment of the region’s health sector in both Kurdish and rebel territory. Adam Lucente | Syria | Jan 13, 2022
As omicron spreads, Israelis turn against Bennett Many Israelis feel that the government and Prime Minister Naftali Bennett have lost control over battling the spread of the coronavirus omicron variant. Mazal Mualem | Israel | Jan 12, 2022
Pressure mounts on Iran's health minister amid personal vaccine saga The impeachment motion was triggered by a leaked document showing that the health minister had received an imported vaccine, contradicting his earlier claims that he had been jabbed with a government-promoted, domestic one. Al-Monitor Staff | Iran | Jan 11, 2022
Kuwait breaks daily COVID-19 cases record but deaths remain low Coronavirus cases are soaring in several Gulf states, though per capita infections are well below those of other countries. Al-Monitor Staff | News Brief | Jan 10, 2022
Economic meltdown revives forgotten occupations in Lebanon Occupations that disappeared over time, most notably that of cobbler and tailor, have been revived due to the decline in citizens’ purchasing power. Rabih Damaj | Lebanon | Jan 9, 2022
Iraq records first omicron cases Five cases were confirmed in Dohuk province and an unknown number of infections were recorded among foreign diplomats in Baghdad. Al-Monitor Staff | Iraq | Jan 6, 2022
Israel reports record number of COVID-19 cases but few deaths The outbreak is due to the Omicron variant of the virus, which is spreading despite Israel’s vaccination push and travel bans. Al-Monitor Staff | News Brief | Jan 5, 2022
Syria receives vaccine doses from China The move was the latest sign of friendship between Beijing and Damascus. Al-Monitor Staff | News Brief | Jan 4, 2022
Israel rolls back foreign travel curbs, but US tourists remain barred Beginning Jan. 9, foreign travelers from nearly 200 countries deemed medium risk can travel to Israel. Al-Monitor Staff | Israel | Jan 3, 2022
Turkey rolls out homegrown vaccine amid surge in Omicron cases Turkish health officials claim the vaccine Turkovac is efficient against Omicron, while experts warn of a lack of data. Nazlan Ertan | Turkey | Jan 3, 2022
Kuwait urges citizens to return from Europe due to omicron Several Middle Eastern states have instituted travel restrictions for Europe and Africa due to rising cases of the COVID-19 variant. Al-Monitor Staff | News Brief | Jan 3, 2022
Iran bans travelers from four European countries Governments around the Middle East are instituting restrictions aimed at mitigating the spread of the omicron variant of COVID-19. Al-Monitor Staff | Iran | Dec 29, 2021
Israel to offer fourth COVID-19 booster dose Israel was one of the first countries in the world to begin offering booster doses to vaccinated individuals. Al-Monitor Staff | News Brief | Dec 21, 2021
Egyptian archaeologists unwrap Amenhotep I mummy, rewrite history Mohamed Saied | Culture | Jan 8, 2022
Sultan Qaboos’ environmental legacy hits economic roadblock in Oman Sebastian Castelier | Gulf | Jan 7, 2022
Erdogan hopes fence-mending trip to Saudi Arabia eases financial woes Fehim Tastekin | Turkey | Jan 7, 2022
Attacks on US in Iraq meant to send ‘harsh’ message — without spilling blood Ali Hashem (Iran Pulse) | Iraq | Jan 6, 2022
A Tunisian demonstrator waves his country's national flag during protests against President Kais Saied on the 11th anniversary of the Tunisian revolution in the capital, Tunis, on Jan. 14, 2022.
