Syria foils Hezbollah-linked plot to attack Homs refinery: What to know Syrian authorities have intensified a crackdown against Hezbollah’s alleged plans to launch attacks inside Syrian territory as well as smuggling attempts. Syria
UAE’s Al Habtoor Group to sell all assets in Lebanon: What to know The company suspended operations in Lebanon back in January, citing massive losses exceeding $1.7 billion due to the country's financial crisis, capital controls and security concerns. Lebanon
Lebanon uncovers new tunnel amid tensions with Hezbollah: What to know A tunnel was discovered near Beirut as tensions between Lebanese authorities and Hezbollah have been running high over the seizure of weapons shipments destined for the Iran-backed group. Lebanon
Analysis 'The problem and the solution': Netanyahu-Sharaa call exposes Israel's Syria dilemma The Israeli leader revealed that he spoke with the Syrian president last year, but stalled talks and Israel's fortification of a security zone on Syrian land underscore his mistrust of Sharaa. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
The 'environmental disaster' Lebanon can't afford to fix The Zouk Mikael power station is choking the region around it with pollution, but sky-high energy demands and political crises are blocking solutions. Lebanon
The fight goes on for Lebanon's LGBT community Despite a few modest achievements, the Lebanese lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community still struggles for acceptance and basic rights. Lebanon
Hamas working to lower tensions in Lebanese camps With security tensions escalating in Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, Hamas and Lebanese officials are discussing ways to avoid the camps being turned into arenas for settling regional scores. Palestine
Will AKP's losses spark Turkish re-think on Syria? The ruling Justice and Development Party lost Kurdish support over President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Syria policies; Eastern patriarchs meet in Damascus to reassure Middle East Christian communities. Iraq
Lebanese turn to faith to break political stalemate The statue of Portugal's Our Lady Fatima will visit several regions in Lebanon in a convoy of Christian leaders, many of whom believe that the tour will help Lebanon elect a president. Lebanon
Artists help Syrian refugee women tell their stories Several artists have developed projects to highlight the lives of Syrian women in refugee camps, moving beyond the image of victimhood, as they are largely portrayed in the media. Lebanon
Lebanese surfers catch waves A small surfer community south of Beirut, Lebanon, not only has dreams of seeing Lebanon represented in international competition, but is also interested in preserving the environment. Lebanon
Lebanese Christian leaders focus on need for president The visit of the Vatican's envoy to Lebanon coincided with a meeting between the country's top Christian leaders, Gen. Michel Aoun and Samir Geagea, who revealed a joint statement that could pave the way for a president to finally be elected. Lebanon
Eastern patriarchs meet in Damascus The Eastern patriarchs met in Damascus on June 8 to discuss the Christians’ situation in the region, following coordinating efforts between Lebanese Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai and the Vatican, and Greek Orthodox Patriarch John X Yazigi and Moscow. Lebanon
Hezbollah's media machine changes gears The media has always been a focus for Hezbollah, but the group has recently changed its message. Lebanon
Lebanon hopes for return of kidnapped soldiers As Lebanese media outlets report a deal with Jabhat al-Nusra for the release of 16 Lebanese soldiers kidnapped during the battle of Arsal in August, questions remain about support for the terrorist organization in Lebanese territory. Lebanon
Is Islamic State 'secondary priority' for Saudi Arabia? Riyadh is preoccupied with the military campaign in Yemen; Velayati tells Lebanese officials there will be no deal on Assad; the Turkish opposition party is under attack ahead of June 7 elections. Saudi Arabia
