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
Iran registers 'alarming' rise in infections as people 'trivialize' rules A majority of the country's provinces are reporting an "alarming" number of new cases, according to Iran's Health Ministry. Iran
Iran and UAE discuss cooperation on COVID-19 Iran and the United Arab Emirates have worked together on the virus before despite them being on opposite sides of Middle Eastern conflicts. Iran
Coronavirus not stopping flow of Israeli tourists to Turkey Even before the coronavirus pandemic there was a significant increase in the number of Israelis visiting Turkey, and it seems that the trend continues despite the virus outbreak. Originals
Report: Iranian authorities ignore prisons' pleas for help in fighting COVID-19 Amnesty International obtained letters from prisons in Iran to the Health Ministry about a lack of adequate supplies in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. Iran
Inside Morocco’s digital divide: girls fighting for education in lockdown While the internet has kept many going through coronavirus lockdowns, the digital divide could mean that many Moroccan students will fall behind. Morocco
Kuwait to allow international travel again, but not from everywhere Kuwait will allow citizens and residents to travel to and from the country starting Saturday, but people from India, Iran and some other nations will still not be allowed to enter. Kuwait
Bahrain to allow private employers to hire foreigners after four-month suspension Beginning Aug. 9, employers in the private sector can resume hiring workers from abroad. Bahrain
Iran Health Ministry says COVID-19 deaths are higher than reported Iran’s deputy health minister warned that the actual numbers of deaths from the coronavirus are higher than what the public is being told. Iran
Neo-liberal Netanyahu turning socialist On the backdrop of the deepening economic crisis and loss of popularity, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu abandons his free market vision in favor of handouts to all Israeli citizens. Israel
Pilgrims wear masks, socially distance during Hajj Saudi authorities instituted several health measures for this year's Islamic pilgrimage, and the number of attendees was greatly reduced. Originals
Egypt eyes coronavirus vaccine production Egypt is getting ready to serve as the hub for the manufacturing of a coronavirus vaccine in Africa, with the help of China. Egypt
The latest reason Australia won’t take back citizens detained in Syria’s prisons for IS? Coronavirus Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne says COVID-19 has further complicated the possibilities of repatriating Australians captured during the war against the Islamic State in Syria. Syria
