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
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. 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
Tunisian police fire water cannon, tear gas on anti-Saied protesters The protesters gathered in downtown Tunis on what marked the 11th anniversary of the uprising that toppled Tunisia's former dictator. Tunisia
Israeli ultra-Orthodox leaders push for children to get vaccinated Surprisingly, the ultra-Orthodox sector is now at the forefront of the campaign to vaccinate children against the coronavirus. Israel
Northern Syria health care plagued by issues as UN extends cross-border aid A US-based group of doctors conducted a detailed assessment of the region’s health sector in both Kurdish and rebel territory. Syria
As omicron spreads, Israelis turn against Bennett Many Israelis feel that the government and Prime Minister Naftali Bennett have lost control over battling the spread of the coronavirus omicron variant. Israel
Pressure mounts on Iran's health minister amid personal vaccine saga The impeachment motion was triggered by a leaked document showing that the health minister had received an imported vaccine, contradicting his earlier claims that he had been jabbed with a government-promoted, domestic one. Iran
Kuwait breaks daily COVID-19 cases record but deaths remain low Coronavirus cases are soaring in several Gulf states, though per capita infections are well below those of other countries. News Brief
Economic meltdown revives forgotten occupations in Lebanon Occupations that disappeared over time, most notably that of cobbler and tailor, have been revived due to the decline in citizens’ purchasing power. Lebanon
Iraq records first omicron cases Five cases were confirmed in Dohuk province and an unknown number of infections were recorded among foreign diplomats in Baghdad. Iraq
Israel reports record number of COVID-19 cases but few deaths The outbreak is due to the Omicron variant of the virus, which is spreading despite Israel’s vaccination push and travel bans. News Brief
Syria receives vaccine doses from China The move was the latest sign of friendship between Beijing and Damascus. News Brief
Israel rolls back foreign travel curbs, but US tourists remain barred Beginning Jan. 9, foreign travelers from nearly 200 countries deemed medium risk can travel to Israel. Israel
Turkey rolls out homegrown vaccine amid surge in Omicron cases Turkish health officials claim the vaccine Turkovac is efficient against Omicron, while experts warn of a lack of data. Turkey
