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
Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat in Israeli hospital with COVID-19 The veteran Palestinian official's condition worsened on Monday, and he was placed on a ventilator. Palestine
Tunisia allows regions to impose nightly curfews amid COVID-19 spike The North African country has reported more than 40,000 infections since March. North Africa
Qatar Airways reaches 100 destinations with Sofia, Bucharest fights Qatar's flagship airline flew to around 160 airports before the COVID-19 pandemic, and this figure dropped to 30 at one point amid the crisis. Originals
Iran official: Coronavirus deaths could double if guidelines not followed Iranian officials are warning that the 30,000 deaths reported could be much higher. Iran
Ultra-Orthodox-Netanyahu alliance threatened by COVID-19 The alliance of the ultra-Orthodox with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seems to turn against them, as the public at large blames them for spreading the coronavirus. Israel
Qatar extends mandatory travel quarantine through Dec. 31 Travelers from "low-risk countries" must quarantine for at least seven days upon arrival. Qatar
Iran in shock after 11-year-old boy commits suicide over poverty The suicide of an 11-year old boy from a destitute family has sent shock waves across Iranian society, further highlighting the questions of growing poverty and state neglect. Iran
Coronavirus-stricken Israelis indifferent to Netanyahu’s diplomatic victories Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu keeps registering diplomatic achievement with Gulf countries, but most Israelis are preoccupied only with coronavirus troubles. Israel
Oman returns to nighttime curfew as COVID-19 cases climb Beginning Sunday, a curfew will run from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Oct. 24. Oman
Nile cruises navigate river of challenges Following a monthslong hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, cruises on the Nile River have resumed, despite some challenges to the tourism sector in Egypt. Egypt
Turkish music sector in hot water due to pandemic, arbitrary restrictions The coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc on Turkey's music industry that is already experiencing tough times due to a ban on alcohol advertising that has prevented companies from sponsoring events and festivals with their brand names. Turkey
Jordan enters a new 48-hour nationwide curfew The country of some 10 million people nearly doubled its total of coronavirus cases in the space of a week. Jordan
