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
New Iraqi government will again require Iranian blessing While Iran may not be the winner in Iraq’s election, it will likely remain the final broker. Iraq
Pompeo calls for review of security assistance to Lebanon The State Department and congressional hawks are taking a second look at US support for the Lebanese Armed Forces after Hezbollah and its allies won a parliamentary majority in this month’s elections. Lebanon
Morocco-Algeria tensions flare over claims of Hezbollah support to Polisario Morocco’s accusation that Hezbollah and Iran are plotting against it with the Polisario Front has escalated tension with Algeria. Lebanon
Will new US sanctions affect Iran’s support for Hamas? While some believe new US sanctions will affect Iran’s economy and subsequently its financial support for Palestinian factions, others say this support is atop Iran’s priorities and won't stop. Palestine
Pentagon OKs $90 million for Lebanese army amid Hezbollah gains The Donald Trump administration is outfitting the Lebanese Armed Forces with supply trucks and Humvees. Lebanon
Putin’s stock rises as 'go-to' mediator between Israel, Iran Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may have given Russian president advance notice of attack on Syria; Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan labels United States as loser in decision to withdraw from Iran nuclear deal. Israel
Is Lebanon's new recycling project a bunch of garbage? Beirut authorities want to go green to deal with their municipality's ongoing garbage disposal problems, but mismanagement and cross-purposes are hampering the effort before it even gets off the ground. Lebanon
Was Hezbollah really the winner of Lebanon’s elections? Despite suggestions by the media, Hezbollah does not have the clear upper hand in Lebanon after the May 6 legislative elections. Lebanon
Netanyahu banks on escalation with Iran The Israeli prime minister expects political windfall from revealing "an open secret" about Iran’s past nuclear program. Israel
Culture Alert: Fairs and fears of the future The Middle East culture scene in May includes street festivals, book fairs and visions of a dystopian future. Palestine
Five trends to watch in Lebanon’s parliamentary elections Lebanon's upcoming parliamentary elections still have the potential to surprise, as political giants aim to solidify their grip on power and as retired military officers make the leap to politics. Lebanon
Will Russia provide the 'new Kissinger' for Iran-Israel diplomacy? Moscow works back channels between Tehran and Jerusalem; hard-line Saudi stance toward Iran adheres to Wahhabi line favored by conservative clerics. Saudi Arabia
