Newsletter: Daily Briefing Araghchi warns Israel as US, Iran hold technical talks in Doha Syria unveils its transitional parliament appointees; Kuwait’s Zain plans a major telecom investment in postwar Syria; and North Africa’s World Cup teams make history. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Analysis For Israel, Lebanon deal 'historic' despite fears Hezbollah will rebuild While the deal with Lebanon allows the Israeli military to maintain a presence there, security experts warn that it also gives the weakened Hezbollah the time it needs to recover. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
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 By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
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
Why did Egypt deport this British-Lebanese TV host? While Cairo says TV host Liliane Daoud had overstayed her residency permit, others suspect her deportation came as a result of her show hosting anti-government voices. Egypt
Bus Map Project to untangle Beirut's bewildering transit routes To address the heavy traffic and disorganized public transportation in Lebanon, a small team of volunteers is working to create an interactive bus map and encourage commuters to take advantage of the redeveloping services. Lebanon
Lebanese Christian village hit with eight suicide attacks in one day The eight suicide attacks that targeted al-Qaa, a Christian village bordering Syria, might revive sectarian tension, especially between the residents of the village and the Syrian refugees. Lebanon
Will Lebanon’s municipal elections lead to election of a president? The May municipal elections in Lebanon prove that long-delayed parliamentary elections can indeed be conducted and a president of the republic selected. Lebanon
Emotional trauma leaves deep wounds for Syria's child refugees The refugee crisis has created a desperate need for mental health services, particularly among Syria’s children, whose chances of healing from their mental and emotional wounds are better the sooner they receive care. Lebanon
Online gallery gives Beirut's diverse art scene exposure to world As Syrian artists fleeing the civil war have found an arts haven in Beirut, some of them are gaining exposure to the wider world through the Artscoops website. Lebanon
Minor blast in Beirut bank will have major repercussions The bombing of the BLOM Bank in Beirut could have repercussions for Lebanon’s banking, financial, economic, political and security stability. Lebanon
How one Palestinian cafe in Lebanon is breaking stereotypes A Palestinian refugee from the Rashidiya camp in southern Lebanon has invested all his money to open a cafe in another Palestinian refugee camp in Beirut, offering space to young refugees to blow off steam. Palestine
Is Lebanon abandoning sectarian politics? The results of municipal elections in Lebanon and the persistence of protesters against government corruption in Iraq may point to a shift in the two countries' traditional sectarian-based politics. Iraq
What happened to kidnapped Lebanese soldiers in Arsal? A Lebanese official told Al-Monitor that the number of Islamic militants in Arsal is steadily declining, and there is talk of the remainder leaving after negotiations. Lebanon
Is it Eid or not? Muslims take step toward resolving calendar dispute Religious representatives from Islamic countries agree to embrace a common calendar to overcome a long-standing conflict on the start of Ramadan, but their past record inspires little optimism for a genuine compromise. Saudi Arabia
Syrian refugees act out their stories in 'The Caravan' 'The Caravan,' a play based on Syrian refugees' testimonies, will begin touring Lebanon in June. Lebanon