Israel, Greece sign $3.5 billion air-defense deal: What to know Against the backdrop of growing tensions with Turkey, Israel signed one of its largest-ever defense industry deals to supply Greece with advanced air defense systems. Israel
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
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
How a landfill poses danger to Beirut flights Although the Costa Brava landfill, which is in close proximity to Lebanon’s only airport in Beirut, was closed, seagulls attracted to the waste pose a major threat to planes, while the government has yet to find a final solution to the two-year trash crisis. Lebanon
New Lebanese president makes Gulf priority With a visit to Saudi Arabia on Jan. 10, new Lebanese President Michel Aoun has signaled that warmer relations with the Gulf is at the top of his priority list. Legacy: Gulf
Lebanon's new women's affairs minister fails to charm Lebanese women's rights organizations are unimpressed with the creation of the new Ministry of Women’s Affairs, saying women need more representation across the board, not the attention of a single body, particularly one run by a male appointee. Lebanon
Why Lebanon could be spared from recent terrorism bloodshed Lebanon has been spared from the terrorism violence that has struck other neighboring countries of Syria over the past few weeks. Lebanon
Two sides of Syria: Damascus and Aleppo While Aleppo lies in ruins, life in wartime Damascus remains vibrant, but not untouched. Lebanon
Jordanians question timing, messages of top military brass The Dec. 30 BBC interview with Lt. Gen. Mahmoud Freihat, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, raised eyebrows in Amman and prompted local commentators to speculate about the purpose and meaning of Freihat’s statements. Iraq
In Lebanon, even private schools caught in education crisis The influx of displaced Syrians into Lebanon has worsened the already struggling education system in the country, with demand for private schools soaring as public schools are overcrowded and teachers exhausted. Lebanon
In Lebanon's Tripoli, culture defeats youth radicalization The northern Lebanese city of Tripoli, known for its violent neighborhood clashes and terrorist attacks, is home to several civil and cultural initiatives that work with youth to eliminate radical thought. Lebanon
What challenges await Lebanon’s new government? The newly approved Lebanese government faces many difficult issues, including adoption of an electoral law ahead of the country’s parliamentary elections in May, as the political blocs are divided over the matter. Lebanon
Hezbollah, Israel both mum on recent escalation Despite an escalation in Israeli attacks against Hezbollah in Syria, an all-out confrontation between them seems unlikely for the near future. Israel
Lebanese Fatah delegates visit Palestine for first time The visit for the first time by Lebanese Fatah delegates to attend the movement’s seventh congress has left them with a bittersweet impression of Palestine. Palestine
As Lebanon tries to build walls, Palestinian initiatives traverse them As the Lebanese army and Palestinian officials in the country are debating the issue of the now halted construction of a wall around the Ain al-Hilweh camp, other Palestinians are launching civil initiatives to raise awareness about the refugees’ future. Palestine