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
French envoys bear surprising message from Mideast Christians A French delegation to Lebanon, Iraq and Syria found that many Christians in the Middle East believe Western policies place economic interests ahead of their well-being. Iraq
Why ex-minister’s return to prison may ease Lebanon's political deadlock A court's decision to put Michel Samaha back behind bars might help ease Sunni-Shiite stress, but solving sectarian differences will require everyone's cooperation. Saudi Arabia
Regional conflicts spill into Lebanon's Palestinian refugee camps In light of an inability to control mounting tensions at Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, the situation warns of an impending explosion. Palestine
Khamenei warns of 'soft war' between Iran, US After the Organization of Islamic Cooperation condemned Hezbollah and Iran, Iran's supreme leader has indirectly criticized Saudi Arabia and called the condemnation meaningless. Saudi Arabia
Former Lebanese PM brings two important messages to Moscow Despite differing views between former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri and Russia on the makeup of the Lebanese government, Hariri's recent visit to Moscow shows the bond between the two countries. Lebanon
Will the true culprits surface in Lebanon's infamous Internet racket? Officials are investigating claims of corruption and espionage in Lebanon's Internet management. Israel
French FM speaks out on Middle East crises Newly appointed French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault speaks to Al-Monitor about the link between Europe's migrant crisis and the Syrian conflict, saying the European Union and France must shoulder their responsibilities to help solve the Israeli-Palestinian issue. Lebanon
Who is to blame for Beirut’s airport security gap? The Lebanese government rift and lack of a clear and effective policy for dealing with security gaps at the Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut may lead international and Arab airlines to suspend their flights to Lebanon. Lebanon
What Hollande’s visit means for Lebanon French President Francois Hollande is expected to visit Lebanon on April 16 as a part of a tour in the Middle East, although the trip will not achieve a breakthrough in the presidential crisis. Saudi Arabia
Why Iraqi-Saudi ties are backsliding yet again After Iraq’s foreign affairs minister defended Hezbollah, which is considered a terrorist group by the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Arab League, Gulf-Iraqi ties may worsen. Saudi Arabia
Will the Russians be able to help Lebanon get a new president? Russia’s withdrawal from Syria and the goodwill it generated in Arab circles, may allow it to play the role of mediator in Geneva and to help Lebanon fill its presidential vacuum. Saudi Arabia
Why Lebanon may be closing this naval base The construction of a tourism project at the port of Beirut requires removing a Lebanese army naval base. Lebanon
