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
Lebanon's central bank to take over banks that cannot boost capital The central bank is giving Lebanese banks until February to increase their capital by 20% or give their shares to the government amid fears that people's deposits are at risk. Lebanon
Libya's Tripoli authorities mandate 24-hour curfew to stem protests A round-the-clock lockdown underway in Libya follows days of anti-government protests in the capital city. Libya
COVID-19 cases increasingly rapidly in northeast Syria The Kurdish-led autonomous region's high population of displaced people and isolation following the UN closure of a border crossing is contributing to the virus' spread. Syria
Intel: Iraq-Jordan-Egypt summit urges increased trade as security concerns loom over region A meeting between the leaders discussed economic cooperation and joint security efforts. Egypt
Report: Emirates and Etihad offer unpaid leave to employees The two Emirati airlines are offering regular flights around the world but have struggled with revenue losses, route cancelations and job cuts amid the coronavirus pandemic. Originals
Gaza locks down as virus infects four The four new cases of the virus confirmed on Monday were the first detected outside Gaza's quarantine centers. Palestine
Detained Jordanian teachers freed amid economic strife The lawyer for the Teachers Syndicate recently told Al-Monitor the government used virus-related laws to silence the group, which is critical of the economic situation in Jordan. Jordan
Curfew hours extended in Jordan as coronavirus numbers spike Jordanian officials said Monday the small country had entered its second wave of the coronavirus. Jordan
Syria constitutional talks 'on hold' after three test positive for coronavirus Three of the 45 delegates participating in the so-called Syrian Constitutional Committee in Geneva tested positive for the virus. Syria
Coronavirus cases in Israel top 100,000 The surge in coronavirus cases come as confidence in Benjamin Netanyahu's government is declining. Israel
Lebanon returns to lockdown after post-explosion surge in virus The country has registered all-time highs in daily new COVID-19 cases following the massive Aug. 4 explosion. Lebanon
Jordan accuses teachers union of 'economic crimes' in crackdown Activists claim Jordanian government is applying "defense laws" to suppress dissent during economic downturn. Jordan
