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
Should Netanyahu worry over violent protests against him? As political and public energy that has welled up against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the last few years is about to burst the floodgates, some worry he could be the target of an assassination attempt. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
How COVID-19 widened Egypt’s budget gap The coronavirus outbreak and the subsequent lockdown measures have largely affected Egypt’s budget deficit. By Ahmed Elleithy
First barrel bombs, now coronavirus: doctors in Syria's Idlib hit hard by outbreak Doctors working in already short-staffed hospitals are struggling with a flare-up of new cases in the country's last rebel stronghold. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Iran faces medical worker shortage as COVID-19 crisis shows no signs of slowing Iranian officials in charge of combatting the coronavirus have warned they are running short of medical staff. By Al-Monitor Staff
Iraq issues 'total curfew' for Eid al-Adha COVID-19 cases have increased to historic highs of around 2,000 a day in Iraq. By Al-Monitor Staff
16 fined for trespassing on Saudi holy sites ahead of restricted hajj The violators were each fined 10,000 riyals ($2,666), authorities announced. By Al-Monitor Staff
Iran’s government spokesman tests positive for COVID-19 According to his office, Ali Rabiei has been hospitalized but is in good condition. By Al-Monitor Staff
Lebanon sees spike in COVID-19 cases Lebanon's daily coronavirus cases have gone up by about a hundred in recent days as the economic crisis continues. By Al-Monitor Staff
Iraqi doctors under siege as they battle surge in COVID-19 cases Doctors complain that they have been suffering violence and abuse from some families who blame medical personnel for patients' COVID-19 deaths. By Azhar Al-Ruabie
Kuwait eases curfew, allows mosque prayers for Eid al-Adha holiday Many countries in the region are implementing guidelines for the upcoming Muslim religious holiday. By Al-Monitor Staff
Iraq's coronavirus cases top 100,000 as Baghdad airport reopens The Health Ministry reported 2,361 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, bringing the total to 102,226. By Al-Monitor Staff
25 of Iran’s 31 provinces on coronavirus watch list Iran’s daily coronavirus deaths remain at peak levels despite calls by officials for social distancing and other health protocols. By Al-Monitor Staff