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
Aid flight arrives from Iran to Venezuela despite continued US pressure Economic and political relations between Iran and Venezuela continue to develop despite Washington's best efforts. Iran
Family of imprisoned Saudi activist Loujain al-Hathloul worries after contact cut off Women's rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul, who has been imprisoned since May 2018, hasn't been heard from in a month. Originals
Oman will make it easier for expat workers to switch jobs Under a previous order, foreign workers were barred from switching companies without explicit permission from their employers. Oman
Kuwait to resume daily prayers at some mosques despite coronavirus concerns Mosques in residential and sparsely populated areas can resume daily prayers with worshippers in attendance, the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs announced. Kuwait
COVID-19 compounds economic crises in Yemen, Jordan, Palestine Recent reports signal conditions going from bad to worse. Yemen
Turkey's Erodgan cancels weekend curfew despite spike in cases Hours after his government announced a weekend curfew for 15 major cities, a public backlash forced Turkey's president to call off the movement restrictions. Turkey
Mohamed Ali returns to slam Sisi on COVID-19 — is anyone listening? Mohamed Ali, an Egyptian construction contractor who last year called for protests against Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, has recently appeared on social media, accusing the government of failing to deal with the coronavirus outbreak. Egypt
Intel: US warns Middle Eastern partners against Chinese investment The State Department’s top official overseeing US policy in the Middle East warned countries in the region against accepting Chinese investment, contracts and coronavirus aid during a virtual interview with the Middle East Institute today. Israel
Jordan further eases restrictions after continued success against virus Jordan has had relatively few confirmed COVID-19 cases. Jordan
Israel suspends parliament after lawmaker tests positive for coronavirus After he was spotted without a mask among crowds of people, Knesset member Sami Abu Shehadeh announced Thursday he was infected with the virus. Israel
Turkey resuming domestic and international flights Domestic airline flights recommence in Turkey and international flights to 40 countries are expected. Turkey
Intel: US urges anti-Islamic State coalition to step up financial contributions The United States and Italy convened a virtual ministerial meeting with members of the defeat-Islamic State (IS) coalition to discuss progress on the campaign. Originals
