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
Is Defection of Syrian General Part of Russian Plan? There are reports that a high-ranking Syrian Alawite officer, Gen. Ali Habib, has left the country, leaving some thinking this could be part of a Russian plan to reach a solution to the conflict. Lebanon
US-Russia Agreement Gives Hope on Syria The US-Russian understanding on Syria presents a number of challenges but also positive opportunities. Lebanon
Twenty Years After the Oslo Accords! What Now? With the Oslo Accords, there is the illusion of negotiations. Palestine
Syria War Paralyzes Region's Economies General instability in post-Arab Spring Middle Eastern countries, along with ongoing conflicts, has left the region's economic situation particularly dismal. Lebanon
Israel's Brooding Versus Hopeful Expectation for Peace Israel's brooding over Syria should be shifted to hopeful expectation of a peaceful outcome. Lebanon
Is Hezbollah’s Syria Approach Tied To Shiite End-Times Doctrine? Some believe that Hezbollah’s approach to the Syrian conflict is tied into Shiite doctrine concerning Judgment Day. Lebanon
How Lucky Is Syria’s President? Bashar al-Assad knows that despite a brutal war, his allies have his back and his opposition is fractured — and also that the end of his regime does not mean the end of the war in Syria. Qatar
Obama, Putin Acknowledge Limits of Power The Russian initiative concerning Syria gives the international community a little breathing room to effect a realistic resolution to the conflict. Lebanon
Lebanon as 'Theater of Surprise' In Syria War Lebanon is the traditional battlefield for regional conflicts. Lebanon
UNIFIL, Hezbollah Prepare For Possible Syria Strike Having cooperated for decades in southern Lebanon, both UNIFIL forces and Hezbollah are preparing for the repercussions of US-led military action in Syria. Lebanon
Oslo Accords Offer Lessons After Twenty-Year 'Interim' The failures of the Oslo experience should inform the restarted Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. Palestine
'Diplomatic Vitality' Needed to Bring Peace to Syria While the US public awaits President Barack Obama's speech on Sept. 10, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has publicly criticized a US military attack against Syria, lobbying to continue negotiations during Geneva II. Lebanon
