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
Israeli protesters clash with police outside Netanyahu's residence Protest organizers said six people were injured in the clashes Monday morning. By Al-Monitor Staff
Turkish border province has created the country's largest potter's field to bury refugees A string of deadly incidents involving migrants has shaken Turkey’s eastern province of Van, which borders Iran and lies on a major route of human trafficking to Europe. By Sibel Hurtas
Palestinian tribes in Hebron asked to help stem the spike in COVID-19 cases The sharp rise in the spread of the coronavirus in the Hebron district is blamed largely on weddings and public events, and the tribes have been asked to help stem the spread. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
Jordan gearing up to reopen kingdom to tourism The government is hoping to reopen the country for medical tourism amidst growing fears of a second wave and skepticism about the health protocols that will be adopted. By Osama Al Sharif
Erdogan: Turkey on path to ‘unstoppable power’ in region Turkish president throws his lot in again with Russia and Iran in Syria, expands plans for influence in North Africa and moves to convert the Hagia Sophia back into a mosque. By Week in Review
Algeria reimposes domestic travel restrictions amid surge in COVID-19 cases Following the Algerian government easing several restrictions in June, the country has registered several hundred cases a day in July. By Al-Monitor Staff
First confirmed COVID-19 case detected in northwest Syria The first case of the coronavirus in Idlib follows a veto at the UN Security Council today of a resolution that would have allowed aid to reach the embattled area via Turkey. By Al-Monitor Staff
COVID-19 puts Gulf entrepreneurs at crossroads Innovative businesses could turn the pandemic-induced downturn into an opportunity to transform Gulf economies. Are government policies responsive enough? By Sebastian Castelier In Dubai, reporting on regional business
Will COVID-19 crisis bury PM Netanyahu? With an unprecedented economic crisis generated by the coronavirus pandemic, it is not at all sure whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu can regain public trust. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Nine Iranian MPs test positive for coronavirus Iran has continued to see a rise in coronavirus-related deaths as the virus spreads across provinces. By Al-Monitor Staff
Emirates resumes more international flights as restrictions ease The addition of flights to Los Angeles, Dar es Salaam and other destinations follows the resumption of tourism to Dubai. By Al-Monitor Staff
Israel, UAE test potential for cooperation on COVID-19 The agreement signed between the United Arab Emirates' Group 42 and Israel’s IAI and Rafael companies offers a glimpse of the potential for cooperation -- if not deterred by annexation. By Danny Zaken In Ma'ale HaHamisha, reporting on Israel