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. By Nicolas Reeves
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. By Israel Hershkovitz
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. By Al-Monitor Staff
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. By Doron Peskin
World Bank praises Palestinian easing of COVID rules, criticizes Israeli control By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
With Angola flight, Emirates airline to reach 15 African destinations by October Since resuming some international flights in May, the Dubai-based carrier has resumed passenger services to more than 85 destinations worldwide. By Al-Monitor Staff
Why Egypt chose Chinese COVID-19 vaccine over Russian one As Egypt and China are set to sign an agreement for the distribution of a Chinese coronavirus vaccine, questions arise as to the efficiency of this vaccine. By A correspondent in Egypt
Coronavirus lockdown targets Israeli synagogues but not protests Religious people in Israel find it hard to understand why political demonstrations will be authorized under coronavirus restrictions while public prayer in synagogues will be prevented. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Jordan reimposes restrictions on schools, businesses after COVID-19 spike Places of worship, cafes, restaurants and public markets must close their doors for the next two weeks. By Al-Monitor Staff
90 UN peacekeepers test positive for COVID-19 in Lebanon Most of the UN forces did not exhibit symptoms of the novel coronavirus. By Al-Monitor Staff
Saudi Arabia to resume some international flights Sept. 15 The Interior Ministry said a limited number of citizens and nonresidents will be eligible for flights entering and exiting the kingdom. By Al-Monitor Staff
UAE to give emergency COVID-19 vaccine to at-risk workers The United Arab Emirates government said a vaccine has successfully completed trials, as COVID cases continue to rise. By Al-Monitor Staff
Emirates resumes flights to Casablanca, Moscow The Dubai-based airline received $2 billion from the government in August to help it stay afloat amid the global travel crisis. By Al-Monitor Staff
Israeli wig industry hit on the head by coronavirus With the coronavirus-induced economic crisis, and with restrictions on mass gatherings, Israeli ultra-Orthodox women have stopped buying new wigs. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
COVID-19 and the marginalization of Iranian women COVID-19 has adversely impacted many segments of society across the globe, including Iranian women. Some fear the damage will be permanent. By Ali Dadpay
Jordan announces compulsory military service for jobless men as unemployment surges Men between the ages of 25 and 29 who are in good health and lack jobs may be called for military service. By Al-Monitor Staff
Iran's Rouhani says schools to remain open despite criticism President Hassan Rouhani is facing criticism for reopening schools as the coronavirus continues to plague the country. By Al-Monitor Staff