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
Libya's Tripoli authorities mandate 24-hour curfew to stem protests A round-the-clock lockdown underway in Libya follows days of anti-government protests in the capital city. By Al-Monitor Staff
COVID-19 cases increasingly rapidly in northeast Syria The Kurdish-led autonomous region's high population of displaced people and isolation following the UN closure of a border crossing is contributing to the virus' spread. By Al-Monitor Staff
Intel: Iraq-Jordan-Egypt summit urges increased trade as security concerns loom over region A meeting between the leaders discussed economic cooperation and joint security efforts. By Al-Monitor Staff
Report: Emirates and Etihad offer unpaid leave to employees The two Emirati airlines are offering regular flights around the world but have struggled with revenue losses, route cancelations and job cuts amid the coronavirus pandemic. By Al-Monitor Staff
Gaza locks down as virus infects four The four new cases of the virus confirmed on Monday were the first detected outside Gaza's quarantine centers. By Al-Monitor Staff
Detained Jordanian teachers freed amid economic strife The lawyer for the Teachers Syndicate recently told Al-Monitor the government used virus-related laws to silence the group, which is critical of the economic situation in Jordan. By Al-Monitor Staff
Curfew hours extended in Jordan as coronavirus numbers spike Jordanian officials said Monday the small country had entered its second wave of the coronavirus. By Al-Monitor Staff
Syria constitutional talks 'on hold' after three test positive for coronavirus Three of the 45 delegates participating in the so-called Syrian Constitutional Committee in Geneva tested positive for the virus. By Al-Monitor Staff
Coronavirus cases in Israel top 100,000 The surge in coronavirus cases come as confidence in Benjamin Netanyahu's government is declining. By Al-Monitor Staff
Lebanon returns to lockdown after post-explosion surge in virus The country has registered all-time highs in daily new COVID-19 cases following the massive Aug. 4 explosion. By Al-Monitor Staff
Jordan accuses teachers union of 'economic crimes' in crackdown Activists claim Jordanian government is applying "defense laws" to suppress dissent during economic downturn. By William Christou
Iran’s coronavirus death toll hits 20,000 as nation braces for more The mortality figure ticked up to the new milestone just as Iranians prepare for mass religious ceremonies that many fear could further exacerbate the crisis. By Al-Monitor Staff