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
GCC faces possible setback with exodus of skilled professionals The coronavirus pandemic coupled with the oil crisis is pushing foreign workers to exit the Gulf states, perhaps shaping future labor policies. By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
Saudi Arabia lifts coronavirus curfew, reinstates hajj Residents of Saudi Arabia can now move around at all times, but other restrictions remain in place as coronavirus cases continue to rise by the thousands. By Al-Monitor Staff
Deal with US drug company raises controversy in Egypt over use of anti-coronavirus treatment Egypt’s Eva Pharma reached a deal with Gilead Sciences to locally manufacture the antiviral treatment Remdesivir for the treatment of coronavirus patients and distribute it in 127 countries. By Amr Mostafa
Saudi Arabia to reopen Mecca mosques as cases surpass 150,000 Saudi health officials confirmed an additional 4,301 cases of the virus Friday, raising the case count to more than 150,000. By Al-Monitor Staff
UAE camel racing to resume following a five-month hiatus The United Arab Emirates announced the resumption of camel racing, coupled with precautionary guidelines, which is among the most popular sports in the Gulf with prizes sometimes reaching millions of dollars. By Kim Kelaita
Iran says 10 provinces have reached peak coronavirus numbers Iran says coronavirus deaths in the country will continue until there is a vaccine. By Al-Monitor Staff
Emirates resumes flights to Istanbul and Beirut The Dubai-based airline has been adding destinations since resuming passenger flights in late May. By Al-Monitor Staff
Saudi Arabia approves dexamethasone as coronavirus treatment The kingdom's Ministry of Health has begun using the cheap drug on critically ill patients. By Al-Monitor Staff
Amnesty blasts Bahrain, Kuwait for 'highly invasive' COVID-19 tracing apps Amnesty International has warned apps used to trace the movements of possible COVID-19 cases in Bahrain, Kuwait and Norway put the privacy of citizens at risk. By Al-Monitor Staff
Turkish courts reopen to backlog of press freedom cases The resumption of court hearings in Turkey has press freedom advocates anxious, amid fears of a second COVID-19 wave and ongoing pressure on the media covering the pandemic. By Diego Cupolo
Israel, Greek prime ministers showcase bilateral alliance The visit in Israel of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis reflects a growing convergence of interests between the two countries. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Egypt's lucrative blood plasma black market Selling the plasma of COVID-19 survivors has become a profitable illegal business, after the minister of health announced that using survivor plasma to treat coronavirus patients has proven effective. By A correspondent in Egypt