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
Dubai relaxes its coronavirus lockdown for Ramadan Dubai will relax its strict coronavirus lockdown to allow movement without permission for much of the day during the Muslim holy month. United Arab Emirates
NGO: Most refugees in Lebanon lack soap after refugee tests positive for coronavirus The International Rescue Committee's survey was released after a Palestinian refugee in Lebanon tested positive for the virus. Palestine
Dubai Expo 2020 likely to be postponed until October 2021 COVID-19 has put on hold the highly anticipated Dubai Expo 2020; it still is to take place, but most likely not until a year later than planned. United Arab Emirates
New US restrictions on WHO, Houthis lead to COVID-19 puzzle in Yemen While the Donald Trump administration is considering increasing its COVID-19 support for Yemen after slashing millions in aid, its new restrictions on the World Health Organization poses significant logistical challenges. Yemen
Turks mark major holiday under virus lockdown A four-day curfew has Turkey locked down as health workers battle an outbreak that has now exceeded 100,000 cases. Turkey
Iraq's health system meets the challenge of coronavirus Coronavirus inflections in Iraq are decreasing, prompting the government to gradually ease the curfew and lockdown. Iraq
New joint UAE airline venture receives permission to fly amid coronavirus downturn Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, an independent partnership between Air Arabia and Etihad, received its air operating license on April 23. United Arab Emirates
Turkey’s S-400 delay is about more than just the economy and COVID-19 Turkey’s deepening economic woes are widely seen as the prime reason behind its decision to delay the activation of the Russian S-400 systems. But an array of other factors have been at play that are forcing Ankara to think twice. Turkey
Kurds shoot down celebratory gunfire after coronavirus victory in Iraqi province Several people were injured by celebratory gunfire after the Iraqi Kurdish province of Duhok declared itself free from the coronavirus. Iraqi-Kurdistan
Saudi-led cease-fire expires in Yemen with no deal in place A unilateral truce in Yemen has expired as aid organizations fear a coronavirus outbreak in the war-ravaged country. Saudi Arabia
Iran unlikely to release women activists during pandemic The coronavirus outbreak is adding to the plight of imprisoned women’s rights defenders in Iran. Iran
Gaza: Love in the time of COVID-19 The requirement that Gaza residents go into quarantine upon returning to the territory has resulted in a number of people meeting their match. Palestine
