Why US, Israel are freezing France out of Lebanon talks With talks between Israel and Lebanon being held in Washington, Paris still insists that it must be involved to balance possible American bias and to protect Beirut’s interests. Israel
In Lebanon, Saudi Arabia pursues quiet diplomacy as Trump pushes Israel normalization Saudi Arabia has been engaged in intense diplomacy in Lebanon in recent days, leading up to the extension of a ceasefire with Israel. Lebanon
Analysis Israel fears Trump angling for Lebanon deal to offset Iran missteps Some Israelis worry the US president might force them to accept an unsatisfactory agreement driven by his inability to secure a tangible achievement in Iran. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Trump says Israel-Lebanon ceasefire extended by three weeks President Trump said the second meeting between the Israeli and Lebanese envoys went "very well." Lebanon
Has US given up on Middle East diplomacy? US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson calls on Saudis to "consider consequences" of actions; Is Lebanese President Michel Aoun making the right call on Hariri? Saudi Arabia
Lebanon’s tech-savvy youths poised for bright future Initiatives in Lebanon assist youths in exploring technology and science, which could give them a boost in the job market in the future. Lebanon
The stench of garbage crisis returns to Lebanon In a recent report, Human Rights Watch warns of the dire consequences of decades of open-air trash burning. Lebanon
US weapons pour into Lebanon amid turmoil The Pentagon is sending armed helicopters to help Lebanon fend off terrorists despite budgetary and political uncertainty. Lebanon
Designers bring local talent back to Beirut’s souks Development company Solidere has invited Lebanese artisans to take over empty spaces in Beirut's Gold Souk, which now hosts a fashion school, workspaces and boutiques selling local handmade products. Lebanon
Culture Alert: Fashion, books and photography in December The Middle Eastern cultural calendar for the end of the year includes a book fair in Beirut, a modest-dress fashion event in Dubai and a cartoon biennial in Tehran. Egypt
Electoral reforms offer Lebanese expats chance to exercise voting rights Thousands of Lebanese expatriates registered to vote in next year's parliamentary elections through a new online platform, giving them the chance to shape the first legislature elected by a system of proportional representation. Lebanon
Lively parties bring West Africa to Beirut club scene In Lebanon, where West African culture is mostly associated with disenfranchised groups, a group of students has decided to shake things up. Lebanon
Egypt flexes its mediation muscle in Lebanon crisis During an emergency meeting in Cairo, the Arab League condemned Iran’s meddling in Arab affairs. Saudi Arabia
Hamas stands with Hezbollah, says Arab League ignores Israeli terror After an Arab League summit including delegates from the Palestinian Authority produced a statement denouncing Hezbollah as a terrorist entity, Hamas and other Palestinian groups responded with defiance. Palestine
Why did Hariri go to Cairo before returning home to Lebanon? To spare the Middle East another battleground, Cairo played a role in containing the crisis of the resignation of Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri. Saudi Arabia
Is Saudi crown prince winning or losing in the Middle East? With Saad Hariri staying on as prime minister in Lebanon, the Saudi crown prince has suffered another setback in his efforts to counter Iran. Saudi Arabia
