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
Islamist, Christian Differences On Display at Conference A conference held in Amman, Jordan, about Christians and the Arab Spring revealed the many differences between Islamists and Christians over minority rights. Lebanon
Will Bishops Be Included in Deal To Release Lebanese Detainees? New information suggests that a deal is near to secure the release of nine Lebanese citizens detained in Syria in March, but questions remain about two kidnapped bishops' fate. Lebanon
Egyptian-Israeli Peace Dilemma For United States Egypt's peace agreement with Israel has stood in the way of a lasting solution for Palestinians. Palestine
Lebanon Stability Depends On Iran-Saudi Entente The warming trends in US-Russia and US-Iran ties may or may not benefit Lebanon, unless Iran and Saudi Arabia end their sectarian regional policies. Saudi Arabia
Rise of Islamists Threatens Christian, Human Rights The rise of Islamists in the Middle East has increased the oppression of minorities in the region, but the issue could be resolved by protecting the human aspect of citizens. Lebanon
US 'Muddled' Approach to Egyptian Aid Needs Reassessment The freeze on aid shows the United States is missing the message on Egypt. Egypt
Is Iran Changing Its Policies In Syria, Lebanon? While eyes are on the Oct. 15-16 nuclear talks in Geneva, Iranian policies in Lebanon and Syria may already be showing a more moderate trend under President Hassan Rouhani. Lebanon
Will 'Oct. 10 Revolution' Materialize Against Hezbollah? Secular Shiite opponent of Hezbollah Rami Ollaik has declared his is leading a movement against the party, though many believe nothing will come of it. Lebanon
Natural Gas Resources May Be Backstory in Syria War The Syria war, like many of the region's other conflicts, has an important oil and gas angle. Lebanon
Displaced Syrians Shed Light On Lebanon’s Internally Displaced The continuous flow of displaced Syrians into Lebanon throughout the civil war has served to bring attention to internally displaced Lebanese citizens, who lead similarly disaffected lives. Lebanon
Egypt: Neither Coup Nor Revolution The recent clashes in Egypt suggest the country still has not realized the potential of its revolution. Egypt
Syrian Opposition Regroups After UN Resolution on Chemical Weapons The Syrian government and opposition are refocusing their strategies after UN Security Council Resolution 2118. Lebanon
