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
Hezbollah starts 2015 facing setbacks Hezbollah is set to face what could be an eventful year, after it has had a number of significant setbacks over the last few weeks. Lebanon
Saudi support shores up talks in Lebanon Saudi Arabia is overwhelmed with risks on several fronts, which might explain its efforts to promote a Sunni-Shiite and a Christian-Christian dialogue in Lebanon and bring its ally Saad Hariri back to the table. Saudi Arabia
Hezbollah, Future Movement eye presidency Hezbollah and the Future Movement have begun a dialogue on filling Lebanon's presidency, offering some reason for hope. Saudi Arabia
Larijani offers Iran's support in visit to Lebanon, Syria, Iraq Head of Iran's parliament Ali Larijani traveled to Lebanon, Syria and Iraq, where he met with top religious and political officials. Iraq
Lebanon, Argentina arrive at consensus over 1992 attack Lebanese and Argentine officials recently discussed the 1992 suicide bombing at the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires, with both sides arriving at the conclusion that Lebanon held no responsibility. Israel
After Damascus talks, Moscow pressures Syria Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov’s Dec. 10-11 visit to Damascus and increased contact with Turkey signal a shift in Russian-Syrian relations as Moscow looks for a political solution. Lebanon
Loopholes, gaps riddle Taif Agreement The agreement that ended the Lebanese civil war still hasn't been implemented and remains as controversial as when it was penned. Lebanon
Israeli attack intensifies Syrian anger, despair Syrians on social media mock “right to respond”; US says Syrian rebels will not overthrow Assad; Syrian patriarch pleads for peace; Russia steps up diplomacy; Jumblatt sees no future for Assad; Turkey’s shadow government; Qatar and Turkey draw congressional ire over support for Hamas. Qatar
Russian DFM talks Syrian issue with Hezbollah Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov met with a wide range of Lebanese leaders during a visit to Beirut and told everyone what they wanted to hear. Lebanon
Russia steps up its Middle East policy Russia has recently increased its diplomatic efforts in the Middle East on a variety of fronts, ranging from Arab-Israeli peace to trade with Lebanon and military cooperation with Sudan. Iraq
Israel-Hezbollah deterrence game continues The reported airstrike against a convoy on its way from Lebanon to Syria has not yet sparked a strong reaction by Hezbollah against Israel, probably because its patron Iran is still negotiating a nuclear deal. Israel
Israeli strikes on Syria hit Iranian weapons destined for Hezbollah Syrian military sources tell Al-Monitor that Israeli warplanes struck storage depots with Iranian weapons that were to be sent to Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel
