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
Hope for Yemen? Plus, three quick takes on the IMF’s outlook for Iran, Lebanon and Egypt The UN-Saudi peace initiative may be the best hope in an otherwise gloomy regional forecast during "The Great Lockdown." Saudi Arabia
Intel: Pompeo and Gulf ministers coordinate on Iran, COVID-19 Secretary of State Mike Pompeo held a flurry of phone calls on Thursday with his counterparts in Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates to discuss Iran and the COVID-19 pandemic. United Arab Emirates
Turkey investigates opposition mayors over coronavirus aid campaign The Turkish government is using the COVID-19 crisis to further squeeze rivals, this time with a criminal investigation into pandemic fundraising efforts by opposition mayors. Turkey
Coronavirus outbreak exposes health risks of coal rush The coronavirus outbreak could serve as a wake-up call for coal-dependent countries, as it proves how closely human lives depend on air quality. Turkey
Despite hero worship, Turkey's doctors continue to face threats, violence Doctors and medical associations worry Turkey's new law that includes heavier penalties for physical and verbal attacks against health care workers may do little to change the situation on the ground. Turkey
How is Palestine dealing with added hunger, poverty from COVID-19? Thousands of new Palestinian households fell below the poverty line due to COVID-19 which is an additional challenge to the government’s efforts in the fight against the epidemic and ramifications on the community. Palestine
Israel: Last act before fourth elections Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plays for time before making the decision whether to join a unity government with Blue and White’s Benny Gantz or go for broke and generate a fourth set of elections. Israel
Saving Palestinian prisoners’ lives requires releasing the elderly and sick As Palestinians commemorate Prisoners' Day on April 17, the biggest demand appears to be how to safeguard prisoners from the threat of the coronavirus pandemic. Palestine
Hamas prepares for COVID-19 outbreak to worsen Hamas in the Gaza Strip is facing major challenges in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic due to the scarcity of financial and medical resources, despite strict containment measures. Palestine
‘Nobody cares about us’: Syrians stuck at Rukban camp decry lack of testing Syrians in the Rukban camp near the Jordanian border hope the coronavirus does not reach their isolated area as they have no coronavirus test kits; they also cannot cross the border into Jordan for any other type of medical care unless they have taken such a test and have proven negative. Jordan
COVID-19 offers new opportunities for Israel-Arab relations In secret diplomatic ties or in open posts on social media, Israel reaches out to Arab neighbors battling with the coronavirus. United Arab Emirates
Intel: Trump administration vows to expedite review of COVID-19 equipment for Iran The US Treasury Department vowed today to prioritize and expedite the review of humanitarian license requests to send medical equipment to Iran to treat COVID-19 patients. Congress
