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's Football Scandal Reflects Political Divide Lebanese athletics have been embroiled in numerous international sports scandals this year, with many officials and teams being arrested or banned from participating in tournaments. Lebanon
Kerry Delivers Ambiguity To Shuttle Diplomacy Kerry's mission and the failure to resume the negotiations on a more firm and clear basis than those tried before are examined. Palestine
Nasrallah's Calculated Moderation Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah has adopted a more moderate approach, which some believe aims to diversify the party's allies and thwart the Western political war against it. Lebanon
Is the Aoun-Nasrallah Alliance Stagnating? As relations between Lebanon’s Free Patriotic Party, led by Gen. Michel Aoun, and Hezbollah appear to be stagnating, both sides take time to reflect on the rationality of sustaining Lebanon’s first Shiite-Maronite coalition. Lebanon
Hezbollah Regions Targeted As Syria War Spreads to Lebanon Amid rising sectarian tensions and following Hezbollah’s decision to fight in Syria's civil war, attacks against Hezbollah-controlled regions throughout Lebanon have increased. Lebanon
Lebanese Alliance Shifts Ultimately Depend on Syria After Lebanon’s parliament failed to pass a new electoral law, speculation began to circulate that Gen. Michel Aoun might end his long alliance with Hezbollah and Amal. Lebanon
Squeaks in US-Israeli Relations Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's comments on "Face the Nation" about what the US should do about Iran stir controversy. Israel
Illegal Marijuana Trade Thrives in Lebanon While the Lebanese government is preoccupied with domestic and regional conflicts, efforts to combat the country’s growing cannabis trade are put on the back burner. Lebanon
Egypt Question Takes Priority in Arab Politics Egypt is taking the place of Syria on the front burner of regional politics as the world waits to see how the Muslim Brotherhood and its allies will react to the president's ouster. Egypt
Emir Signals Change by Replacing Head of Qatar Investment Authority In the second article of a two-part series, the new Qatari emir seeks to separate politics and business. Qatar
Egyptian Army Enables Democratic Transition It is time to end the debate of whether what took place in Egypt was a coup or revolution. Egypt
