Analysis Israel’s Lebanon dilemma: Confront Hezbollah without angering Trump, triggering Iran Israeli sources point out that the pilot project for Israel's withdrawal and the Lebanese military taking control over the area is not working because of the government's reluctance to search for Hezbollah's weapons in private homes. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran sets conditions for reopening Strait of Hormuz Syria, Saudi Arabia to establish joint bank; Lebanon, UAE ink deals, deepen economic ties; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Lebanon, UAE ink deals, deepen economic ties on Emirati Beirut visit An Emirati business delegation signed the agreements in Beirut and met with President Joseph Aoun, indicating the UAE's interest in deepening economic ties with Lebanon. Lebanon
Newsletter: Business & Tech Iran keeps Hormuz reopening on hold Traffic in the Strait of Hormuz remained low, with only five commodity vessels transiting the waterway on Tuesday, according to data from maritime tracking firm Kpler. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Newsletter: Daily Briefing US lifts Syria's terror designation By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Palestinians Must Unite Before Israeli Elections Clovis Maksoud writes that the likely victory by right-wing parties in the coming Israeli elections sets a deadline for Palestinian reconciliation. Palestine
Mali Conflict Threatens Security in Maghreb Region France becomes involved militarily in Mali as Islamist militants spread their influence, shedding a brighter light on potential regional implications of escalating conflict in the country, writes Ambassador Nassif Hitti. Lebanon
Lebanese Electoral Law Shakes Political Coalitions Political alliances are shifting and rifts widening as legislators again take up a new electoral law, reports Elie Hajj. Lebanon
Lebanon Faces Increased Pressures From Syrian Refugees Mohammad Harfoush reports on how Lebanon is trying to deal with the strain of increasing numbers of Syrian refugees. Lebanon
Russia Sees Al-Qaeda Growth in Lebanon Russia has voiced fears that al-Qaeda is spreading in Lebanon, and Nasser Chararah reports that the group is setting down roots to help fighters in neighboring Syria. Lebanon
Syrian Armed Groups Among Those Displaced in Lebanon Hundreds of thousands of Syrians are reportedly in Lebanon, and their presence is having a destabilizing effect on the country, writes Jean Aziz. Lebanon
President Morsi Urges Unity for Palestine Clovis Maksoud writes that Cairo's hosting of the Hamas and Fatah leadership is a sign that Egypt takes Palestinian unity seriously, even if Palestinian leaders seem to be in no hurry. Lebanon
Lebanon Struggles to Manage Palestinian, Syrian refugees As more Syrians flee to Lebanon, displaced Palestinians from refugee camps in Damascus threaten the fragile political and sectarian balance in the country, writes Nasser Chararah. Lebanon
Lebanon Struggles With Political Deadlock, Syria Crisis Lebanon is threatened by the escalating situation in neighboring Syria, as well as by internal political disputes, writes Mohammad Harfoush. Lebanon
Displaced Syrians in Lebanon 'Beyond Our Control' As the conflict in Syria intensifies, Elie Hajj speaks to an opposition activist in Beirut about the influx of Syrian refugees into Lebanon. Lebanon
Lebanon Must Reform Electoral Law Nassif Hitti writes that the Lebanese elections will not matter unless there is fundamental reform, including of the electoral law. Lebanon
