Analysis Playing for time: Despite US pressure, Israel stalls Lebanon talks until after election Ahead of the eighth round of talks in Rome, the Israeli military reported clearing Hezbollah's underground stronghold at Ali al-Taher after besieging the ridge for months. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Why Ali al-Taher ridge is emerging as 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 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
Lebanon in crisis from spillover of Syria conflict Difficulty accommodating the exorbitant numbers of Syrian refugees pouring into the country, as well as growing sectarian tensions between Sunni and Shiite Muslims, highlight Lebanon’s dire situation. Lebanon
Iran Embassy bombing: Repeat of Iraqi model in Lebanon? The suicide bombing targeting the Iranian Embassy in Beirut on Nov. 19 shows that al-Qaeda has established both tactical and ideological cells in Lebanon. Lebanon
Lebanon enters 'third stage' of suicide bombings Tuesday’s suicide attack on the Iranian Embassy in Beirut represents a new stage of violence in Lebanon, with Lebanese citizens targeting their compatriots at home. Israel
Israel, Egypt, Gulf fear US betrayal Israel has become part of an unexpected alliance with the Gulf countries, Egypt and Jordan, all disappointed by the US administration's lack of Middle East understanding. Egypt
Saving the Iran deal – and the Syrian state Ratcheting up sanctions on Iran risks a chance to end the war in Syria. Israel
'Culture of fear' for region's minorities Conferences recently dedicated to the plight of Middle East Christians need to be understood in broader context. Egypt
Lebanese Shiite leader launches interfaith dialogue The prominent Lebanese Shiite scholar Ali Fadlallah has launched a new initiative aimed at promoting interfaith dialogue and cooling sectarian tensions in the region. Lebanon
Lebanese Shiites fear Salafist terrorism during Ashoura This year, the Salafist practice of targeting Shiite Ashoura processions in Iraq may spread to Lebanon. Lebanon
Levant Christians consider threats to their communities During a gathering of Christian representatives from various Near East countries in Beirut, participants were divided when it came to determining their main enemy and strategies for the future. Yemen
Turkey-Iran Talks Can Begin To Defuse Syrian Tragedy Discussions between the foreign ministers of Turkey and Iran reflect a serious departure from the polarization; especially on Syria & between the two regional powers. Lebanon
Eva's Story Highlights Plight Of Women in Lebanon The story of a 13-year-old Lebanese girl who was kidnapped and forced into marriage highlights the overall plight of Lebanese women today. Lebanon
Lebanon: Between Tripoli and Balochistan Northern Lebanon is paying the price for the rise of radicalism in the region. Lebanon
