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. Jordan
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. Israel
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. Gulf
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. Israel
The Takeaway: Biden-Abdullah White House summit key to Israel-Jordan reset Jordan-Israel ties had hit rock bottom under Netanyahu; Also: Will Zarif pick up Raisi’s road map on the Iran deal?; Israel prepares Raisi file; Egypt, Ethiopia compete for power partnerships; Saudi-Ethiopian ties strained by Nile dam dispute; Russia’s vaccine diplomacy stumbles; the latest Pharaonic parade. Israel
Tehran begins another round of coronavirus lockdowns Iran has announced a new wave of restrictions in red zones as well as the capital. Iran
Turkey’s COVID-19 cases surge as restrictions relaxed during Eid As holiday-makers flock to Turkey’s coastal areas and cast aside masks and social distancing, a surge in COVID-19 figures fans worries in the health sector of a fourth coronavirus wave, possibly as early as August. Turkey
Saudi Arabia to require two vaccine jabs for international travel The Saudi government has made receiving the COVID-19 vaccine a requirement for its citizens to travel and work in the past. News Brief
Abu Dhabi returns to partial lockdown against COVID-19 variants Beginning Monday, movement will be restricted from midnight to 5 a.m. and public spaces will operate at limited capacity. United Arab Emirates
Tunisia receives medical aid from regional states as virus cases rise Morocco, Egypt, the UAE and others have sent virus-related aid to Tunisia recently. North Africa
Kremlin's vaccine diplomacy finds trouble in Middle East Deliveries of Russia's Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine are as controversial as the vaccine itself. Russia
Iraq's Kurdistan Region detects first case of Delta variant Several Middle Eastern governments have instituted measures aimed at mitigating the spread of COVID-19 variants recently. Iraq
Report reveals heavy impact of COVID-19 on Israeli Arabs A new report quantifies disparities in how the coronavirus crisis has affected Israel's Arab population. Israel
Palestinian vaccine-gate investigation report out The independent report about the deal between the Palestinian government and Israel that led to the PA's receipt of expired vaccines has been finalized and made public with leads on incompetence and oversight. Palestine
Iraq breaks record for highest daily virus cases Health authorities are asking Iraqis to take the COVID-19 vaccine as rates remain low and infections rise once again. News Brief
Qatar to resume tourist, family visas starting July 12 Both vaccinated and non-vaccinated visitors will be required to present a negative PCR test and certain travelers must quarantine upon arrival. Qatar
