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
Report: Emirates offers unpaid leave to pilots, cabin crew The Dubai-based airline continues to rebuild its flight network amid the coronavirus pandemic but has experienced financial setbacks. By Al-Monitor Staff
Jordan resuming domestic flights out of largest airport Jordan is planning to resume domestic flights and international flights next month. By Al-Monitor Staff
UAE says prayers to be at home for upcoming Eid al-Adha holiday Countries in the region are beginning to issue restrictions pertaining to COVID-19 and the holiday. By Al-Monitor Staff
Qatar mandates testing, home quarantine for international travelers The new requirements for travel come as Qatar continues its phased reopening of the economy. By Al-Monitor Staff
Oman imposes fresh lockdown ahead of Eid al-Adha holiday A ban on travel between the governorates and an 11-hour curfew will run from July 25 through Aug. 8. By Al-Monitor Staff
Israeli restaurants vs. PM Netanyahu: 1-0 Celebrity chefs are championing the fight against the government’s decision to close down restaurants over the coronavirus pandemic. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Turkey suspends Iran and Afghanistan flights due to virus concerns Turkey resumed international passenger flights last month. Both Iran and Afghanistan are experiencing hardship containing the coronavirus. By Al-Monitor Staff
Israelis to be barred from Jewish New Year pilgrimage to Ukraine Uman’s Mayor Oleksandr Tsebriy caused a major storm after he announced that Israeli-Jewish pilgrims would be barred from the city this year. By Mordechai Goldman
Turkey sends virus aid to Venezuela US sanctions on Venezuela allow for humanitarian exemptions. Turkey is active in delivering coronavirus-related aid around the world. By Al-Monitor Staff
Russia considers Saudi Arabia as trial site for COVID-19 vaccine The two countries are also discussing having Saudi Arabia manufacture the drug. By Al-Monitor Staff
Iran claims Israeli ‘propaganda’ on nuclear facility attack In today's Iran media review, Tehran claims that speculation regarding Israeli attacks are "propaganda." By Al-Monitor Staff
Iraq to reopen airports this month The country is still registering around 2,000 COVID-19 cases per day, close to its highest-ever daily toll. By Al-Monitor Staff