Saudi Arabia lifts 5-year ban on Lebanon imports: What to know Saudi Arabia had been a main donor for Lebanon before ties strained during Hezbollah’s rising influence in the country. Lebanon
Hezbollah calls on Lebanon to 'correct' relations with Iran Lebanese President Joseph Aoun recently told Iran to stay out of the country’s affairs, drawing a rebuke from Tehran. Lebanon
Analysis 'We are already hearing the bus': Israeli insiders fear Netanyahu is losing Trump’s backing on Iran “He couldn’t afford a confrontation with Trump, who was the last asset he had left,” a Netanyahu associate told Al-Monitor, describing the prime minister’s struggle to balance pressure for retaliation against Iran with the need to preserve his alliance with the US president. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
US military helped Israel intercept Iran's missiles: What to know Iranian barrages targeting Israel came after Israeli warplanes struck the outskirts of Beirut, despite the White House publicly signaling its opposition to such strikes. Iran
Analysis Israel’s Lebanon endgame remains elusive despite ceasefire deal By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Analysis Why Israel sees Lebanon’s 'pilot zones' as path to containing Hezbollah By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
In retreat, IS takes advantage of Libya's political divide Rival forces in Libya are fighting an Islamic State insurgency after the group suffered major blows across the country. Libya
Sufi sites in Libya under attack Sufis and other religious minorities in Libya are under constant threat of attack by extremist Salafists. Libya
Iraq's PMU leaders 'resign' in preparation for elections Several leaders in Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units have signaled that they are handing over control of their factions to the central government as they prepare to run in next year's elections, but some argue they will maintain their influence. Iraq
Hezbollah, Iran, Hamas seek new strategy for resistance Hamas is moving closer to Iran and Hezbollah, as the "axis of resistance" shifts priorities now that the Syrian war is winding down. Palestine
Iran calls Haley's missile claim 'ridiculous' Iranian officials view UN Ambassador Nikki Haley’s speech accusing Tehran of sending missiles to the Houthis in Yemen as politically motivated. Saudi Arabia
Houthis broach talks after Saleh slain, but war continues Yemen's civil war demonstrates that despotism leads to more of the same, no matter who's in power. Saudi Arabia
Is Trump’s Jerusalem decision winner for Iran? Islamic Jihad gains momentum in the Gaza Strip, US-Jordan relations are shaken, US-Turkey relations worsen and Iran reaps the benefits without lifting a finger. Palestine
FSA opens new business crossing in northern Syria A Syrian rebel faction opened a business road crossing in the Aleppo countryside to collect funds for the local civilians and military. Syria
As calls for disbanding Iraq's PMU rise, its influence expands The voices of Iraq's Western allies are rising against the Popular Mobilization Units, demanding the dissolution of these forces, while the PMU is expanding its influence in the Iraqi state, making Prime Minister Haider al-Abbadi face tough choices. Iraq
Saudis fail at their own conspiracy The fiasco surrounding the death of former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh shows how Washington needs to help Saudi Arabia end the war on its neighbor. Saudi Arabia
Saleh killed in Yemen following peace overture; UAE denies Houthi missile claim Iranian media report, but the UAE denies, that the Houthis fired a missile toward Abu Dhabi over the weekend in response to a Saudi-brokered deal to return former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh to power; Saleh was killed Dec. 4. Yemen
Israel, Iran duel on Syrian soil The growing presence of Iran in Syria, combined with attacks against a missile plant and a base for Iranian forces, indicate that Israel and Iran are practically already at war. Israel
