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
Pentagon waiting out coronavirus to invite allies back to Iraq The US commander of Operation Inherent Resolve hopes allied forces will return to Iraq once the COVID-19 crisis subsides. Iraq
Intel: Amid US funding gap, UN Palestinian refugee agency seeks $93M in coronavirus aid As the coronavirus continues its spread through the impoverished West Bank and Gaza Strip, the United Nations refugee agency for Palestinians is seeking emergency funding to help with what it calls the worst financial crisis in the organization’s 70-year history. Palestine
Kuwait announces full curfew as other countries ease restrictions Kuwait announced a "total curfew" will start Sunday to fight the coronavirus, but did not yet specify details. Kuwait
Why is Turkey prioritizing shopping malls in reopening plan? Ankara’s haste to reopen shopping malls may be an effort to revive sagging consumption, but it also has to do with a tight nexus between politicians and businesses in the country. Turkey
Civilian killings in Syria are a ‘ticking time bomb,’ UN commissioner says UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet warned of a "ticking time bomb" in Syria amid an uptick of civilian attacks and human rights violations. Syria
Uber lays off 40% of Cairo office, largest in Middle East The layoffs come amid global cuts as the coronavirus pandemic sees revenues drop. Egypt
British-Australian academic held in Iranian prison reportedly attempts suicide Kylie Moore-Gilbert is among the many foreigners held in Iran's notorious Evin prison on espionage charges. Iran
Netanyahu’s future coalition, without the settlers? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu got the recommendation of 72 Knesset members for him to form and lead Israel’s next government, but the list does not include the signatures of his allies from the Yamina party. Palestine
With virus numbers low, Turkey turns to ailing lira Nearly 83,000 people in Turkey have recovered from the novel coronavirus but as the government touts its success on the public health front, another fire has ignited: a record low in the lira as foreign investors flee. Turkey
New police unit to enforce Saudi Arabia’s latest virus restrictions The country's Interior Ministry also announced a new round of hefty fines for quarantine violators. Saudi Arabia
Iran’s coronavirus cases jump 50% three weeks after country reopens Iran’s total coronavirus cases have jumped 50% after taking measures to open up the country. Iran
Egypt’s role in Africa during COVID-19 pandemic Although Egypt’s chairmanship of the African Union ended in 2019, it continues to focus on Africa, especially amid the coronavirus pandemic. Egypt
