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
Middle East Stability Hinges On Lebanon's Neutrality In his UN speech on Sept. 24, the Lebanese president reminded the world of the importance of helping Lebanon and keeping it neutral. Lebanon
Nasrallah Warns Turkey, Gulf on Syria Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah speaks on Syria and the region. Legacy: Gulf
Iran To Be Included by US In Middle East Affairs The United States and its allies need to adapt their foreign policy strategies in the Middle East to include President Hassan Rouhani's Iran. Lebanon
Israel's Dismissal of Iran A Lost Opportunity It's arrogant for Israel to dismiss Rouhani's overtures and refuse to consider the possibility of a new era in Iran. Israel
Lebanon Support Group Deserves Support The International Support Group for Lebanon, a critical initiative by President Michel Suleiman, will meet at the UN General Assembly on Sept. 25. Jordan
Lebanon's Dismal Economy Often overshadowed by neighboring Syria’s bloody civil conflict, the dire situation of the Lebanese economy appears more dismal than ever. Lebanon
US-Russia Syria Deal Affects Saudi Regional Strategy The US-Russia deal on Syria chemical weapons gives momentum to possible settlement and may mean changes for regional players. Saudi Arabia
Does Rouhani's Style of Diplomacy Mean Change in Iranian Policy? The United States should take signals from Iran seriously. Lebanon
Terrorist Groups Exploit Palestinians In South Lebanon Al-Qaeda-affiliated groups based in a neighborhood adjacent to Ein el-Hilweh refugee camp in southern Lebanon are exploiting the Palestinian refugees' dire situation to increase their support base. Lebanon
The Hezbollah Question in Lebanon As developments in Syria and elsewhere around the region continue, a look at the role Hezbollah plays in Lebanon is more pertinent than ever. Lebanon
Delay in Forming New Lebanon Government a Record Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Tammam Salam is still unable to form a new government, leading to even greater uncertainty. Lebanon
More Obstacles to Formation Of New Lebanon Government As conflict continues to rage next door in Syria, Lebanon’s polarized political scene must face several challenges before it can build a government that satisfies past agreements. Lebanon
