Middle East

Israel: Tourists Concerned, But Not Cancelling Over Gaza Crisis

Date: November 21st, 2012 |

Concerned by the recent Gaza missile crisis, some tourists may be thinking twice about visiting Israel right now, but tour operators on the ground report business as usual and few, if any, cancellations due to security issues—though new bookings have reportedly slowed down. The Israel Minister of Tourism has maintained that conditions are “normal” and [read more]

Bahrain: Tensions High Following Grand Prix Violence

Date: April 25th, 2012 |

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With the Grand Prix over, the Bahraini monarchy is still faced with the task of stabilizing the country. Clashes between anti-government protesters and police broke out April 22 just hours before the trademark race was set to begin. The race, which was cancelled last year due to tensions in the country, went ahead as planned [read more]

Israel: Tourist Center to be Built in Tense Neighborhood

Date: February 15th, 2012 |

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The government has given a Jewish group permission to build an archaeological center in Silwan, a tense Arab neighborhood in East Jerusalem. Silwan is near Jerusalem’s Old City, and is the site of clashes between Arab residents and Jewish guards protecting 80 Jewish families who have settled there. Proponents of the plan hope it will [read more]

Bahrain: British Embassy Bombed in Recent Display of Disdain for Western Backed Sunni Dynasty

Date: December 10th, 2011 |

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The British Embassy in Bahrain was the target of a small bomb explosion, prompting the Bahraini government to provide additional security to foreign embassies in the country. Earlier this year, Bahrain was swept by a wave of unrest, and the latest bomb attack confirms that tensions remain. Between February and March of this year, the [read more]

Israel/West Bank: Settlement Construction to be Expedited

Date: November 7th, 2011 |

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After the Palestinians gained entry to UNESCO, Israel announced that it was speeding up the construction of settlements in east Jerusalem and the West Bank. Israel has also indicated that it will suspend the transfer of tax funds to the Palestinian Authority, which may seek official entry to more UN agencies after the UNESCO success. [read more]

United Arab Emirates: Locals Want Dress Code for Tourists

Date: July 12th, 2012 |

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A Twitter campaign calling for a tourist dress code is gaining steam in Abu Dhabi, where tourists and foreign workers far outnumber local citizens. Launched by a Muslim woman who was offended by the attire foreigners often wear, the campaign suggests that tourists be required to at least cover their shoulders and knees out of [read more]

Lebanon: Five Injured in Latest Restaurant Bombing

Date: April 25th, 2012 |

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In the last few months, bombings have rocked the majority-Muslim city of Tyre, targeting nightclubs, shops and restaurants that serve alcohol. The latest bomb went off shortly after midnight April 23, injuring five and damaging the building that housed the targeted restaurant. While the majority of Tyre residents are Shi’ite Muslims, members of Lebanon’s Christian [read more]

Bahrain: Travel Alert about Violent Demonstrations

Date: January 25th, 2012 |

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The U.S. State Department issued a travel alert about the ongoing possibility for violent demonstrations throughout Bahrain. In recent months, all travelers have faced increased scrutiny trying to get into the country and Bahraini officials have denied entry to some U.S. citizens. Traveling within the country can become dangerous without notice, as clashes between security [read more]

Israel: Border Region with Lebanon sees Rockets, Artillery Fire

Date: November 30th, 2011 |

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Tensions are once again high along the Israeli-Lebanese border. Rockets were fired from southern Lebanon into Israel, instigating rounds of artillery shells in response from the Israelis. While the exchange was relatively small considering the history of the region, it marked the end of two years of quiet along the notoriously volatile border region. It [read more]

Bahrain: Travel Alert Regarding Potential Unrest

Date: August 30th, 2011 |

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The U.S. State Department issued a travel alert Aug. 19 regarding the potential for unrest in Bahrain. Despite the withdrawal of Bahrain Defense Force personnel since the lifting of the State of National Safety, the State Department warned of the potential for spontaneous civil and political unrest. Though the airport in Bahrain remains open, U.S. [read more]

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