New name, same old problems: Syria talks kick off in Kazakh capital

The name of the venue for the Syria peace talks may have changed from Astana to Nursultan, but the challenges the participants faced were familiar ones.

Jordan

Israel's new army chief redefines missions, capabilities

IDF’s new Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi is now formulating a new multiyear plan that should address threats such as the thousands of rockets fired at Israeli cities.

Palestine

Refugee children in Lebanon find freedom in art

“The Kids of Mishwar,” a recent exhibition in Beirut, gave refugee children the opportunity to express themselves through art.

Lebanon

From Aleppo to alpha male: Beirut dance fest takes on the world

Founded 15 years ago, the Beirut International Platform of Dance strives to make contemporary dance a staple of Lebanon’s artistic culture while pushing the boundaries of the art form to speak to the issues of the day.

Lebanon

Is debt answer to Middle East economic troubles?

The forecast for growth across the Middle East and North Africa is bleak. Unfortunately for the regions, heavy debt appears to be one way out.

Saudi Arabia

Russia expands ties in Lebanon’s oil, gas sector

Russia has gotten a huge head start on the United States in gaining access to Lebanon’s oil and gas sector, allowing Moscow to continue to strengthen its economic position across the Middle East.

Israel

What's next for Lebanon's blood shortage?

Donner Sang Compter, a Lebanese nongovernmental group, has staged hundreds of blood donation events to take some of the pressure off patients who need blood.

Lebanon

Are incinerators answer to Lebanon's waste crisis?

The plan to build incinerators in Lebanon raised the concerns of nongovernmental organizations and activists who put forward suggestions to solve the country's never-ending waste crisis.

Lebanon

China eyes Lebanese port to launch investments in Syria, region

As China looks to play an active role in the reconstruction of Syria, Tripoli, Lebanon’s second-largest port, is preparing for major investments.

Lebanon

Putin, Aoun discuss Syrian refugee crisis, regional issues

President Putin and President Aoun hold wide-ranging talks, including about the return of refugees to Syria, and Lebanon indicates that despite its issues with Washington, strong US-Lebanese government ties are going to continue.

Lebanon

Nasrallah seeks to capitalize on US shift on Golan

The Trump administration's recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights has given the advantage in Lebanon to Hezbollah, whose opposition to the move puts it in line with public opinion.

Lebanon

Politicization of the anti-corruption campaign in Lebanon

As Lebanon’s political parties, namely Hezbollah, are leading anti-corruption efforts by going after high-level former ministers, questions are raised about these efforts’ seriousness and effectiveness.

Lebanon