In first, Lebanon to hand over former Syrian general to Sharaa government The decision comes as Syria's new authorities move to prosecute former regime figures over alleged crimes committed during the country's civil war. Lebanon
After 44 years, Israel retrieves remains of soldier killed in Lebanon: What to know The Israeli military recovered the remains of Yehuda Katz, an Israeli soldier who was killed in the Battle of Sultan Yacoub in Lebanon 44 years ago. Israel
Analysis Israel defies Trump on Lebanon as Netanyahu, Katz prioritize elections Both Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump face fateful elections this fall, but one needs progress in Lebanon while the other wants more of the same. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Lebanese PM urges Israeli withdrawal in meeting with US envoy Turkey to sign charter for Saudi-led Red Sea coalition; UAE accuses Iran of attacking ADNOC vessels; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Israel moves against West Bank settlers after Huckabee criticism By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Lebanon becomes first Arab country to abolish death penalty By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Pentagon OKs $90 million for Lebanese army amid Hezbollah gains The Donald Trump administration is outfitting the Lebanese Armed Forces with supply trucks and Humvees. Lebanon
Putin’s stock rises as 'go-to' mediator between Israel, Iran Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may have given Russian president advance notice of attack on Syria; Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan labels United States as loser in decision to withdraw from Iran nuclear deal. Israel
Is Lebanon's new recycling project a bunch of garbage? Beirut authorities want to go green to deal with their municipality's ongoing garbage disposal problems, but mismanagement and cross-purposes are hampering the effort before it even gets off the ground. Lebanon
Was Hezbollah really the winner of Lebanon’s elections? Despite suggestions by the media, Hezbollah does not have the clear upper hand in Lebanon after the May 6 legislative elections. Lebanon
Netanyahu banks on escalation with Iran The Israeli prime minister expects political windfall from revealing "an open secret" about Iran’s past nuclear program. Israel
Culture Alert: Fairs and fears of the future The Middle East culture scene in May includes street festivals, book fairs and visions of a dystopian future. Palestine
Five trends to watch in Lebanon’s parliamentary elections Lebanon's upcoming parliamentary elections still have the potential to surprise, as political giants aim to solidify their grip on power and as retired military officers make the leap to politics. Lebanon
Will Russia provide the 'new Kissinger' for Iran-Israel diplomacy? Moscow works back channels between Tehran and Jerusalem; hard-line Saudi stance toward Iran adheres to Wahhabi line favored by conservative clerics. Saudi Arabia
Can 'nudge theory’ change citizens’ behavior, government policy in Lebanon? An upcoming conference on behavioral economics in Beirut will examine a political tool that could shape national policies and improve public services. Lebanon
Why Israel needs new regional alliances Facing US intention to withdraw from Syria, Israel must establish new regional alliances. Saudi Arabia
At 70, Israel sits atop a volcano Israel’s army holds a definitive advantage over the rest of the region, but the 70-year-old country is confronted by multiple enemies and points of conflict. Palestine
Culture alert: Gaza conflict spills over to cinema festivals Iran’s Fajr International Film Festival has invited Palestinian director Rashid Masharawi as its guest of honor, while, farther west, Palestinian artists are boycotting the Istanbul Film Festival for refusing to drop an Israeli-government-backed sponsor, Art Israel. Palestine