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
Could Assad end up in court? As the Special Tribunal for Lebanon in The Hague starts to hear testimony from several high-level Lebanese politicians, it's likely that evidence linking the assassination of Rafik Hariri directly to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad will come to the surface, involving Assad directly in the trial. Lebanon
Sidon: another Lebanese flashpoint Following incidents in Tripoli and Arsal, members of a terrorist cell in Sidon, the capital of the Lebanese south, were arrested by the Lebanese army, thus foiling another attempt to escalate the security situation. Lebanon
Lebanon's parliamentary reboot puts rivals on the same side As Lebanese lawmakers vote to extend their own mandate for a second time, opposition groups find themselves on the same side. Lebanon
Lebanon’s MPs extend own terms The recent decision of the Lebanese parliament to extend its term for another 31 months, without holding elections, might be a step to put the country under foreign tutelage. Lebanon
Palestinian-Syrian refugees face hardship in Lebanon About 60,000 Palestinian-Syrians have fled to Lebanon, but many are finding that they cannot work and cannot afford food and housing. Palestine
Syrian official: negotiations with US blocked by Saudi Arabia A Syrian official spoke on the continued gains of the Syrian army, the failings of the international coalition and chances of talks between the opposing parties. Lebanon
Remittances key for Lebanon’s economy In economically and politically stagnant Lebanon, expatriate remittances provide a relatively steady inflow of hard currency and serve as a social safety net and cushion. Legacy: Gulf
Lebanon's Druze fear IS, Hezbollah The Druze in Lebanon are preparing to defend themselves against a possible attack by the Islamic State, in light of their shaky trust in Hezbollah. Lebanon
Slow progress in Saudi-Iranian ties Although Saudi and Iranian officials have cemented talks in recent months, this is not significant enough to alter ties between the two foes. Legacy: Gulf
Dane in Lebanon arrested for being alleged IS fighter Araby Ibrahim, a Lebanese man holding a Danish passport, was arrested in Lebanon on suspicion of fighting alongside the Islamic State in Syria. Lebanon
Will European ambassadors return to Syria? According to one Syrian official, European ambassadors might be returning to resume their functions in Syria, as the West has started to realize that the Syrian army is the only one able to fight terrorism. Lebanon
Islamic State sets sights on sea in Lebanon The Islamic State has hopes of connecting with the sea, but to achieve this it must go through Lebanon, which will be a tough fight. Lebanon