CENTCOM chief in Lebanon as Israel prepares partial withdrawal steps The Lebanese military is expected to move into Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh after Israeli forces withdraw. Lebanon
Traffic plummets through Strait of Hormuz after Iran, US trade fire Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz had recovered somewhat before renewed fighting between Iran and the United States saw traffic drop sharply over the weekend. Iran
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Trump says Iran, US to meet in Doha Tuesday Lebanon’s Berri criticizes US-brokered Lebanon-Israel deal; Turkey slams Israel's recognition of Armenian genocide; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
US brokers deal for limited Israeli withdrawal in south Lebanon The deal establishes a US-facilitated military coordination group to oversee the creation of two initial pilot zones in southern Lebanon. Lebanon
Explainer Gulf states push incentives for investors, expats after war dents image United Arab Emirates
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran insists on right to control shipping in Strait of Hormuz By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Renaissance fair brings Camelot to Lebanon The Middle East's first-ever Renaissance fair brings together several growing niche communities into one fantasy-filled event. Lebanon
'UNRWA or nothing': Palestinians in Lebanon brace for the worst Palestinians in Lebanon have already begun to feel the consequences of funding cuts in schools and hospitals as a result of the United States halting contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. Lebanon
Week of art, design begins as twin fairs open in Beirut Beirut, a growing regional destination for artists, is showcasing its rich and diverse art scene with weeklong programs dedicated to contemporary art and design. Lebanon
To Beirut, with love: Young poet to represent Mideast in world competition Rabab Chamseddine, a 21-year-old Lebanese poet, is headed for Paris for the World Poetry Slam next year after winning the Beirut Poetry Slam with works that tackled notions of self and country. Lebanon
Small Lebanese craft brewers introduce big new tastes in beer Micro and craft breweries are paving the way for locally made Lebanese beer by working around the lack of traditional ingredients and doing what they can to avoid contributing to the Lebanon's persistent environmental problems. Lebanon
Entrepreneur brings blueberries to Lebanon Talal Nassereddine's Tout Berry Farms aims to make berry cultivation a big business in Lebanon and the broader Middle East. Lebanon
New IDF strategy to focus on missiles Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman intends to establish a new military corps dedicated to missiles and rockets to counter growing threats from Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Syrian army. Israel
Russia shows no signs of ditching Iran over Syria Turkey rallies jihadi armed groups to its side in Idlib; Lebanon backs Russian plan for Syrian refugees. Lebanon
Hezbollah's role evolving in Syria as Assad nears victory As the forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad move in on the last major rebel stronghold, speculation is turning to what the future might hold for Hezbollah in Syria. Israel
Russia eyes refugee return as centerpiece of next policy move in Syria Moscow claims it's making progress in talks with Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey over the return of Syrian refugees; yet getting international organizations and the United States to cooperate on the refugee return and the reconstruction of Syria proves more challenging. Jordan
Culture alert: Music mixed with history in August Some of the August festivals in the Middle East take place in spectacular settings, from Cairo to Byblos to Troy. Egypt
Lebanon looks for economic lift from cannabis Lebanon’s parliament is set to discuss a bill to legalize the production of industrial hemp as part of efforts to boost the country’s ailing economy. Lebanon
