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
Emirates, Etihad adding more flights after transit suspension lifted The United Arab Emirates ended its suspension of international transit flights on Wednesday. By Al-Monitor Staff
Iran experiencing second wave of coronavirus infections After reopening the country, the number of cases is back up again. By Al-Monitor Staff
As Turkey gets back to business, doctors warn second wave could follow Cafes and restaurants reopened and intercity travel resumed in Turkey after new cases of the novel coronavirus have steadily declined, though health officials warn failure to follow social distancing measures could lead to new infections. By Diego Cupolo
COVID-19 crisis returns spotlight to Gulf migrant communities Contract migration schemes make citizenship acquisition nearly impossible for migrant workers in the Gulf, and recent economic and health crises make any imminent changes further unlikely. By Sebastian Castelier In Dubai, reporting on regional business
Intel: US offers no new funding at Yemen donor conference The emergency aid pledged for Yemen’s humanitarian response plan at a June 2 donor conference falls short of what is needed, with the United States not offering any new funding at this time. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Qatar makes massive LNG ship order The purchase by Qatar Petroleum from three South Korean companies comes as oil prices continue to rise from the lows earlier in the year. By Al-Monitor Staff
Kurdish authorities in Iraq lift lockdown following protests The reimposed lockdown came amid an increase in COVID-19 cases, but people protested the lack of work opportunities due to the restrictions. By Al-Monitor Staff
Coronavirus shambles IDF plans for a super digital army Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi’s plan of turning the IDF into the world’s most digital army is currently being foiled by coronavirus-induced budget cuts. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
With children infected by coronavirus, Israel fears second wave Israelis have returned to an almost normal routine in recent days, only to discover the pandemic is far from over. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Iraq returns to lockdown after surge in coronavirus cases Iraq registered more than 400 COVID-19 cases today, breaking the previously highest number from only a few days ago. By Al-Monitor Staff
Emirates airline reportedly cut jobs The Dubai-based carrier let go of pilots and flight attendants as it resumes flights during the crisis in global travel, Reuters reported. By Al-Monitor Staff
Poverty could double in the West Bank as coronavirus takes toll, World Bank warns The bank estimates the percentage of poor households in the West Bank will increase from 14% to 30% in 2020. By Al-Monitor Staff