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
Syrian students turn to e-learning amid pandemic The opposition-led government in Syria has activated distance learning for students in the areas under its control to help curb the spread of the coronavirus in schools and universities, though some students aren't able to benefit from the program. Syria
Egypt offers psychological help amid social isolation The Ministry of Health has designated a special hotline for Egyptians isolated at home and in quarantine to offer psychological support during the coronavirus pandemic. Egypt
Intel: What’s next for Russia-Turkey cooperation after Erdogan, Putin call? On April 1, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss potential cooperation in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, the next steps in joint efforts in Syria as well as the developments in Libya. Syria
Intel: Joe Biden uses coronavirus crisis to push for Iran sanctions relief Former Vice President Joe Biden, the overwhelming favorite to become the Democratic presidential nominee, came out in favor of humanitarian sanctions relief for Iran to help the embattled country cope with the coronavirus pandemic. United States
Turkey finally releases epidemic figures: coronavirus epicenter in Istanbul Turkey’s death toll from the COVID-19 outbreak has hit 356 as political sparring has broken out over rival assistance programs for the poor and the government’s efforts to keep the economy afloat. Turkey
Can Iran's president turn around its economy? Iran's economic plight — compounded by US sanctions, low oil prices and COVID-19 — depends on risky and difficult reforms for a turnaround. Iran
Israeli-Bedouin students left behind over coronavirus Israeli high schools and colleges offer online courses for students who are confined due to the coronavirus, but these initiatives are worthless for the Bedouin pupils who have little access to computers or fast internet in their villages. Israel
Israel’s defense minister rises to the COVID-19 threat In taking action to combat the coronavirus outbreak in Israel, Defense Minister Naftali Bennett has shown that he can be creative, determined and effective in using the military’s human and technological capabilities. Israel
Rocket fired toward Israel amid coronavirus outbreak in Gaza Hamas weighs escalating confrontation with Israel as COVID-19 cases grow. Palestine
Palestinian workers in Israel face more restrictions amid coronavirus outbreak The Palestinian government in the West Bank has escalated its precautionary measures on Palestinian workers returning from Israel in order to prevent further spread of the coronavirus. Palestine
Will Egypt's military corner the coronavirus market? The Egyptian military has begun manufacturing and selling protective masks, which are in short supply through pharmacies. Egypt
Israel suggests strings be attached to coronavirus aid for Gaza Israeli Defense Minister Naftali Bennett has urged that any aid to Gaza for the COVID-19 pandemic be linked to the recovery of soldiers' remains. Palestine
