Analysis UAE gauges new Lebanon deals amid Levant economic stabilization push Beirut welcomed a high-level business delegation from the UAE in late August as Abu Dhabi pursues new regional economic engagement amid Iran's waning influence. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis Israel’s Lebanon dilemma: Confront Hezbollah without angering Trump, triggering Iran Israeli sources point out that the pilot project for Israel's withdrawal and the Lebanese military taking control over the area is not working because of the government's reluctance to search for Hezbollah's weapons in private homes. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran sets conditions for reopening Strait of Hormuz Syria, Saudi Arabia to establish joint bank; Lebanon, UAE ink deals, deepen economic ties; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Lebanon, UAE ink deals, deepen economic ties on Emirati Beirut visit An Emirati business delegation signed the agreements in Beirut and met with President Joseph Aoun, indicating the UAE's interest in deepening economic ties with Lebanon. Lebanon
Newsletter: Business & Tech Iran keeps Hormuz reopening on hold By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Newsletter: Daily Briefing US lifts Syria's terror designation By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Statues and words tell story of Syrian women's plight In Beirut’s Zico House, an exhibition organized by the Syrian Female Journalists Network of clay female figurines accompanies the launch of a book about the lives of Syrian women. Lebanon
Are Hezbollah, Israel heading for a third war? As talk of a third war breaking out between Lebanon's Hezbollah and Israel is increasing, some analysts say it is highly unlikely given the costs both sides would have to bear. Israel
Protesters gear up as politicians' clock winds down in Lebanon Activists in Lebanon have organized to oppose a third extension of parliament and demand a modern electoral law that would bring in new political candidates. Lebanon
Lebanon's budding hashish business brings high returns Cannabis production in Lebanon has soared by more than 30% since 2012, when spillover from the war in Syria led security forces to focus on deadlier threats like car bombs and Islamic militants. Lebanon
Congress blames State Department after draft sanctions bill leaked to pro-Hezbollah media The Lebanese government is preparing to send a delegation to Washington to oppose the proposed new sanctions on the designated terrorist organization. Lebanon
Will Lebanon's president keep parliament from 're-electing' itself? Despite four years' worth of extensions already, Lebanon's parliament could keep itself in office even longer because it's unable to break a deadlock over a proposed change in the electoral law. Lebanon
Will Lebanon finally pass a budget after more than a decade? Although Lebanon’s Cabinet approved a proposed 2017 state budget, the legislation still has to overcome several obstacles in parliament. Lebanon
Complex deal frees kidnapped Qatari royals, two Saudis Various versions of a recent hostage deal are circulating that include, potentially, political motivations, millions of dollars in ransom, exchanged military prisoners and relocated civilians. Saudi Arabia
Beirut's heritage buildings threatened by urbanization Activists in Lebanon are demanding new laws to preserve heritage buildings, as chaotic urban planning and archaic laws are leading to the disappearance of Beirut’s oldest houses. Lebanon
Who is behind new round of violence in Lebanon refugee camp? The Palestinian refugee camp of Ain al-Hilweh in southern Lebanon has witnessed heavy clashes between factions linked to a jihadi cell and the Palestinian Joint Security Force. Palestine
Storytellers create intimate space in bustling Beirut The old Arab tradition of storytelling is finding its way back into Lebanese hearts, and regular events are becoming increasingly popular in Beirut. Lebanon
Interview Hezbollah’s No. 2: US strike on Syria mere ‘muscle flexing' In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Sheikh Naim Qassem, the deputy secretary-general of Hezbollah in Lebanon, spoke about the US military strikes on a Syrian air base and Israel and its potential moves in the region among other things. Naim Qassem Deputy secretary-general of Hezbollah