Gendarmerie operation sparks controversy in Petra, Jordan Petra’s tribal entrepreneurs react to a security operation carried out inside Jordan’s most-visited UNESCO World Heritage Site with criticism and concern for their livelihoods. Jordan
Culture Despite war, thousands of Israeli Hasidim make pilgrimage to Ukraine Much like the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine won’t stop thousands of Hasidim from reaching the city of Uman and the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov just before the Jewish New Year. Israel
Middle East airlines to suffer losses again in 2022 The International Air Transport Association said that airlines in the region will fare somewhat better financially due to the return of long-haul flights. Legacy: Gulf
Israel expects post-COVID tourism rebound this summer Israeli experts do not expect tourism to reach this summer the record level of 2019, but they certainly notice a trend of increase on both outbound and incoming tourism. Israel
Oman to issue tourist visas after 8-month suspension Travelers whose trips are organized through hotels or tourism companies can apply for visas. Oman
What do Turkey's Kurds expect from Biden's presidency? Pro-Kurdish political parties in Turkey are keeping their hope for Joe Biden’s presidency with utmost caution. Turkey
Turkish labor leaders criticize state COVID-19 response as cases surge Turkish officials introduced tighter curfew measures to curb a national surge in COVID-19 rates, drawing criticism from labor rights leaders over exemptions for production workers. Turkey
Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar tests positive for COVID-19 The 58-year-old Hamas official was tested after experiencing symptoms. Palestine
No Christmas cheer in Bethlehem this year amid coronavirus pandemic The municipality of Bethlehem in the southern West Bank has begun preparations to celebrate the holidays amid exceptional measures due to the coronavirus pandemic. Palestine
COVID-19 breaks records in Turkey as health experts call for tighter controls New daily COVID-19 rates hit record highs four days in a row in Turkey, prompting local health officials to call for more stringent social distancing measures. Turkey
Saudi Arabia will make coronavirus vaccines free to residents The kingdom hopes to vaccinate up to 70% of its population by the end of 2021. Saudi Arabia
Iran to pursue legal action against US over medical sanctions Tehran has struggled to contain the spread of the disease and accused Washington of cutting off access to a life support system. Iran
China looks to boost its GCC interests with 'vaccine diplomacy' Eager to lift the lockdowns and limit the effect of the coronavirus pandemic on their economies, several Gulf Cooperation Council states are participating in trials of a vaccine produced in China, which seems to focus on countries that hold strategic interest for Beijing or are part of its Belt and Road Initiative. Legacy: Gulf
West Bank, Gaza record highest ever daily virus toll The UN recently warned that parts of the Palestinian territories are not prepared to cope with a major outbreak of COVID-19. Palestine
WHO says lack of masks, distancing contributing to virus spread in Middle East The WHO's regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean also said the number of infections in the area could be higher than reported. Regional
Erbil governor dies of coronavirus; his 'legacy of service will endure,' PM Barzani says Local and foreign offices praised the late governor and called his death a great loss for the KRG. Iraqi-Kurdistan
