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
Lebanese public health crisis includes trauma, mental health after explosion The Lebanese people, already reeling under tough economic, social and political conditions, face another public health crisis after the explosion on Aug. 4 in Beirut. By Wael Taleb
Doctors warn Turkish outbreak 'out of control' as COVID-19 cases pass 250,000 The government says inspections of businesses will be increased to ensure enforcement rules on masks and physical distancing as the country battles more than 1,000 new cases a day. By Ayla Jean Yackley
Syria could have 2 million cases of coronavirus by Aug. 31 Analysts believe there could be up to 2 million coronavirus cases in Syria, but the authorities are no way near reimposing restrictions to curb the spread of the virus. By Judi Dalati
Surge in coronavirus cases continues in Lebanon following explosion COVID-19 cases have increased dramatically following the blast in Beirut's port on Aug. 4, when hospitals filled and people took to the streets. By Al-Monitor Staff
Trump administration goes big with UAE-Israel peace deal Other Gulf states may follow. By Week in Review
Iraq again breaks daily COVID-19 record The outbreak is worst in Baghdad, Erbil and Basra. By Al-Monitor Staff
Economic policy reversal fraught with political risks for Erdogan Ankara’s bid to warm the pandemic-hit economy has backfired, forcing a policy reversal that threatens to aggravate popular grievances and heighten political risks for Erdogan. By Mustafa Sonmez In Istanbul, reporting on economics
Eight children die in less than one week at Syria's al-Hol camp This rate is far above normal in the camp for Islamic State-affiliated families, where there are recent reports of escapes and COVID-19 cases. By Al-Monitor Staff
Turkey’s 'healthy tourism' efforts tested as foreign tourists trickle in Some 40,000 Russian holidaymakers have thrown a life jacket to Turkey’s main touristic hub of Antalya, while other coastal areas count on locals to keep afloat. By Nazlan Ertan In Izmir, reporting on culture
Etihad cancels Shanghai flights following positive virus tests Future travelers to the Chinese city will have to comply with stricter regulations from the Abu Dhabi-based airline. By Al-Monitor Staff
Jordan closes border with Syria due to virus concerns The temporary closing of the Jaber border crossing coincides with concerns the coronavirus is spreading in Syria. By Al-Monitor Staff
Lebanon registers record COVID-19 cases in blast aftermath With social distancing relaxed and hospitals under strain, Lebanon reported a record 309 new cases and seven deaths from the virus Tuesday. By Al-Monitor Staff