Why Ali al-Taher ridge is emerging as an Israel-Hezbollah flashpoint Israel has intensified its strikes and ground operations around the strategic hill in a bid to force Hezbollah out. Lebanon
Israel to release 5 Lebanese prisoners ahead of next talks: What to know Israel said the detainees are "civilians who are not members of a terrorist organization" and "were not involved in terrorism," concluding, "There is no reason to continue holding them in Israel." Israel
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 By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran sets conditions for reopening Strait of Hormuz 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
Syrian voters shake up Lebanese politics The throngs of Syrian voters in Beirut shocked the Lebanese political establishment. Lebanon
Lebanon needs new electoral law, then a president The core of the crisis of the Lebanese national pact is the absence of an electoral law that represents the sects fairly, especially the Christians. Lebanon
Iran nuclear talks hit snag over sanctions Lifting US sanctions, as called for in the Joint Plan of Action, would eventually require dealing with Hezbollah. Lebanon
What can Lebanon learn from Suleiman's presidency? As Lebanese President Michel Suleiman’s term ends on May 25, his successor should examine the obstacles and successes of his mandate to prepare for the path ahead. Lebanon
Lebanon: private education soars, public education sinks Despite a student-teacher ratio of 7-1, public education in Lebanon ranks poorly worldwide and reform is urgently needed. Lebanon
Lebanon approaches presidential deadline If Lebanon’s parliament fails to elect a president by the constitutionally stipulated deadline of midnight on May 24, the ensuing vacuum could further exacerbate the already tense situation in the country. Lebanon
How will Lebanon’s Christians deal with presidential vacancy? If a new Lebanese president is not elected by the constitutionally stipulated deadline of May 25, the Christians’ options are limited. Lebanon
Former IRGC leader claims Iran's border to Lebanon's shores The Lebanese presidential elections are of a piece with Iran's regional strategy. Lebanon
Hezbollah evasive on presidential candidates Although Hezbollah has yet to name its preferred candidate for the Lebanese presidency, there are a number of requirements that a potential candidate must meet to gain the party’s endorsement. Lebanon
Lebanon union strike not helping economy The Union Coordinating Body is missing an opportunity to fix the large amount of government waste. Lebanon
Attacks on Lebanese patriarch’s Jerusalem visit unjustified Media attacks against Lebanon Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai’s upcoming visit to Jerusalem are based on an antiquated logic, and may be aimed at diverting attention from other issues. Lebanon
Hezbollah sends Israel message in Shebaa bombing Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has claimed responsibility for the Shebaa Farms bombing that wounded Israeli soldiers, and Israel has filed a complaint at the United Nations, signaling that Israel understood the message. Palestine
