Syria, Lebanon stress noninterference as Damascus mulls Hezbollah talks When asked whether Damascus would be willing to meet with Hezbollah in the future, Syria’s foreign minister indicated that it would not rule out such a meeting. Syria
Culture Lebanon arrests man after video of public assault on wife goes viral The man seen violently beating a woman at a restaurant has been arrested, but the incident has reignited debate over domestic violence amid warnings that such abuse can increase during periods of war. Lebanon
Newsletter: Security Israel-Lebanon deal faces rocky road The agreement reached between Lebanon and Israel last week has reintroduced debate over the US military's role in southern Lebanon, even as Washington appears intent on limiting its direct involvement. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Qatar reports progress in US-Iran talks Syrian FM in Lebanon; Pro-Palestinian candidate unseats long-serving Democrat in Colorado; Turkish jets strike al-Shabab targets in Somalia; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Araghchi warns Israel as US, Iran hold technical talks in Doha By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Analysis For Israel, Lebanon deal 'historic' despite fears Hezbollah will rebuild By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
The female 'rock stars' of terror Women such as Saja al-Dulaimi and Joumana Hmayed are often used for smuggling messages, money and arms by extremist groups in addition to suicide bombing operations. Lebanon
10 Middle East artists to watch Many female artists in the Middle East and North Africa are redefining their mediums. Bahrain
Beirut re-brushed Despite Lebanon's political and security challenges, Beirut is witnessing an upsurge in the art scene with established and new museums exhibiting Arab artworks. Lebanon
Palestinian factions maintain fragile stability in Sidon camp Although Salafist fugitives have found refuge in Ain al-Hilweh, competing Palestinian factions appear intent on maintaining stability in the refugee camp. Lebanon
Florence Massena on why she writes Al-Monitor contributor Florence Massena shares her thoughts on journalism. Lebanon
Maya Gebeily on why she writes Al-Monitor contributor Maya Gebeily shares her thoughts on journalism. Lebanon
Arab artists depict violence in their paintings Many Arab artists — Lebanese, Syrian and Iraqi — have been inserting terrorism and violence into their paintings, to show the world the suffering of the Arab peoples. Iraq
Mona Alami on why she writes Al-Monitor contributor Mona Alami shares her thoughts on journalism. Lebanon
Why Lebanon skipped anti-terror meeting in Washington Lebanon decided not to attend the international summit on counterterrorism in Washington when certain Lebanese parties, such as Hezbollah, balked at cooperating with Israel, among other issues. Lebanon
Syrian regime, allies lose decisive battles in Aleppo The regime and its allies have suffered heavy losses in an offensive against the opposition’s largest stronghold in the northern countryside of Aleppo. Lebanon
Drug use creeps up in Lebanese schools Despite warnings circulating online about a new drug quickly spreading in Lebanese schools, experts say that while the issue deserves attention, drug abuse among students is not as widespread as the rumors suggest. Lebanon
Lebanon holds IS at bay, for now The failure of the Islamic State’s plan to control territory and create an emirate in Lebanon bodes well, says a Lebanese security official who claims that Lebanon has clamped down on the major three terrorist hotbeds in the country. Lebanon
