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
Israel to give more than 1 million vaccine doses to Palestinians In order to accelerate the supply of COVID-19 vaccines to the Palestinians, Israel started transferring 1 million Pfizer doses. Israel
Kuwait to allow vaccinated travelers entry beginning August 1 The Gulf country also loosened travel restrictions on Kuwaiti citizens. Kuwait
Emirates loses more than $5 billion in 2020 The Dubai-based airline's financial struggles amid the coronavirus pandemic has led to job cuts and a massive cash injection from the government. News Brief
The reform challenge: What Oman (and others) might learn from Egypt Parallels in experience may offer guideposts for managing change. Oman
Bahraini prisoner's death from COVID-19 prompts protests Husain Barakat received China's Sinopharm vaccine but died anyway after contracting the coronavirus in prison. Gulf
Middle East countries set to benefit from Biden’s global vaccine initiative A US State Department spokesperson told Al-Monitor that hard-hit Iran will not be receiving doses at this time. United States
Hezbollah founder dies of coronavirus in Iran Ali Akbar Mohtashamipour died in northern Tehran at the age of 75, local media reported. Iran
Israel finds 'possible link' between second Pfizer jab, heart inflammation The Health Ministry said 275 cases of myocarditis, mostly affecting young men, were recorded among more than 5 million vaccinated people. News Brief
Turkey eases COVID-19 measures as new cases plummet With recorded daily COVID-19 cases falling below 7,000, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan further eased social distancing measures across the nation June 1. By Diego Cupolo
Iran health authorities say public will get vaccine jabs in September The new promise marks yet another delay of previously announced plans for an inclusive national vaccination rollout highly demanded by the Iranian public. By Al-Monitor Staff
Abu Dhabi to host Pakistani cricket competition The Emirati city has experience hosting sport events during the pandemic from the Fight Island mixed martial arts series. News Brief
Turkey fails to convince Russia to lift flight ban Despite the efforts of Turkey's top-level delegation to Russia to get flights resumed between the two countries, Moscow has extended the ban. Turkey
