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
Jerusalemites complain about discrimination at airports The coronavirus appears to have exposed once more the cloudy status of Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem, as the deportation of a professor and the denial of boarding to some has left may worried that the legal status of 350,000 Palestinians is in danger. Palestine
Low projections dim Ankara's high hopes for tourism recovery Turkey plans to begin reopening domestic travel in late May, but prospects remain gloomy for its crucial tourism sector, which relies largely on foreign visitors. Turkey
Lebanon to seek IMF assistance to help with economic crisis The prime minister said Lebanon would seek $10 billion in loans from the international financial institution after passing a reform bill. Lebanon
Turkey says virus outbreak at peak as government weighs easing restrictions The country’s health minister credits new therapies and contact tracing for a recent decline in new cases, but warns it is still too soon to loosen restrictions on mobility to mitigate the outbreak. Turkey
Despite cafes opening, Gazans still reluctant to go out Gaza restaurants are reopening their doors weeks after the lockdown, amid a low turnout of citizens who are still afraid of the coronavirus. Palestine
Saudi Arabia eases anti-virus measures Saudi Arabia allowed businesses to reopen today, but mosques, schools and other places remain closed. Saudi Arabia
Intel: In letter to Trump, Erdogan bemoans Turkey’s poor reputation on Capitol Hill President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's personal letter to his counterpart Donald Trump was delivered today as part of Turkey’s COVID-19 relief package for the United States. Turkey
Syria allows businesses to reopen during the day The Syrian government announced the easing of the country's coronavirus lockdown today. Syria
Intel: House Middle East panel spotlights Yemen in first virtual briefing The House Foreign Affairs Committee spotlighted Yemen in its first virtual briefing, which the Middle East subcommittee held today. Saudi Arabia
Iraqi intelligence building bombed in Kirkuk A suicide bomber, reportedly an Islamic State member, detonated himself at an Iraqi intelligence building in the disputed northern city. Iraq
‘Virtual mall’ in Bahrain opens for shoppers on lockdown The online hub will allows shoppers in Bahrain to purchase from more than 100 brands. Bahrain
Turkey enjoys PR win with coronavirus aid shipment to US Turkey ships face masks and other personal protective equipment to the United States and evacuates a Turkish COVID-19 patient from Sweden. Turkey
