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 Struggles to Manage Palestinian, Syrian refugees As more Syrians flee to Lebanon, displaced Palestinians from refugee camps in Damascus threaten the fragile political and sectarian balance in the country, writes Nasser Chararah. Lebanon
Lebanon Struggles With Political Deadlock, Syria Crisis Lebanon is threatened by the escalating situation in neighboring Syria, as well as by internal political disputes, writes Mohammad Harfoush. Lebanon
Displaced Syrians in Lebanon 'Beyond Our Control' As the conflict in Syria intensifies, Elie Hajj speaks to an opposition activist in Beirut about the influx of Syrian refugees into Lebanon. Lebanon
Lebanon Must Reform Electoral Law Nassif Hitti writes that the Lebanese elections will not matter unless there is fundamental reform, including of the electoral law. Lebanon
Lebanon and the FutureOf 'Greater Syria' One consequence of the Syrian crisis may be the end of its "greater Syria" approach to Lebanon, writes Mohammad Harfoush. Lebanon
Assad Speech Reportedly to Propose Settlement Initiative for Syria Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad reportedly will soon, in coming days, offer a new proposal to resolve the crisis in Syria, writes Jean Aziz. Lebanon
Christians of the Levant Accuse France of Plotting to Displace Them As the Syrian opposition becomes more and more Islamic, Christians of the Levant fear for their future and have accused France of plotting to displace them, writes Jean Aziz. Lebanon
Reflections on the New Year: Outrage with a Hint of ... Hope? Clovis Maksoud calls on Arab governments to take responsibilbity for governance. Lebanon
Arab States Must Forge a New Social Contract Nassif Hitti anticipates a "disordered order" in the region in 2013 and calls for a new social contract in Arab states. Lebanon
Hezbollah Weighs Its Options Nasser Chararah considers Hezbollah's options in dealing with Syria and a potential military strike on Iran. Lebanon
