Culture Alert: October dominated by film festivals in Middle East

A number of film festivals, from short films to documentaries, take place in Beirut, Tehran, Haifa and Istanbul throughout October — where many of the regional countries’ nominees for Oscars will be screened.

Israel

Palestinians react to opening of first US military base in Israel

The Sept. 18 announcement of the establishment of the first permanent US-Israeli military base in the Negev desert, in southern Israel, is evidence of the strategic military cooperation between the Americans and Israelis.

Palestine

Arab identity at heart of Beirut Art Fair

At the eighth annual Beirut Art Fair, contemporary artists were given free rein to create works that explore sensitive topics such as Arab identity, politics and conflict.

Lebanon

Aoun calls for 'Levantine common market,' safe return of Syrian refugees

Lebanon's president outlines a regional approach to combating poverty and extremism; Mahmoud Abbas nears moment of truth regarding Dahlan’s role in Fatah-Hamas talks.

Palestine

Poor Beirut neighborhood's facelift only skin deep

An art project in Beirut’s Ouzai neighborhood is bringing color to the area, but urban planners are not impressed with what they see as a simplistic approach to its complex legal and economic problems.

Lebanon

Aoun sees role for Hezbollah until threats to Lebanon cease

Speaking to Al-Monitor ahead of his address to the UN General Assembly in New York, Lebanese President Michel Aoun spoke about the refugee crisis facing his country, Hezbollah's role amid the ongoing regional crisis and Beirut's expanding ties with Moscow.

Lebanon

Lebanon explores potential roles with Russia

As Russia works to put the finishing touches on Syrian civil war negotiations, representatives from many Mideast countries are showing up at Putin's door, including Lebanon, which has much to give and gain in the situation.

Saudi Arabia

How Lebanese are countering racist attacks

The Anti-Racism Movement is standing up for victims of racism in Lebanon by providing assistance and support and exposing racist behavior in the country.

Lebanon

Trump, Netanyahu risk being party of two in opposition to Iran nuclear deal

US and Israeli leaders may find themselves, rather than Iran, isolated in questioning a solid international consensus on Iran, as attention turns to Syria.

Saudi Arabia

With win over IS, Lebanese army jostles Hezbollah

The Lebanese army's recent victory against IS on the Syrian border offered proof of the state forces' growing military capabilities, but Hezbollah still plays an important and complementary role in Lebanese security despite the rivalry between the two encouraged by the United States and Iran.

Lebanon

Will Russia tolerate Israeli actions in Syria?

The large IDF drill near Israel’s northern borders, sends a clear message to Hezbollah: if the organization decides to attack Israel, Israel won’t hesitate to destroy Lebanon’s infrastructure.

Israel

Will Abbas be forced to choose war against Israel?

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is starting to understand that the current situation cannot go on for much longer and soon he will have to choose between peace and war.

Palestine