Lebanon uncovers new tunnel amid tensions with Hezbollah: What to know A tunnel was discovered near Beirut as tensions between Lebanese authorities and Hezbollah have been running high over the seizure of weapons shipments destined for the Iran-backed group. Lebanon
Analysis 'The problem and the solution': Netanyahu-Sharaa call exposes Israel's Syria dilemma The Israeli leader revealed that he spoke with the Syrian president last year, but stalled talks and Israel's fortification of a security zone on Syrian land underscore his mistrust of Sharaa. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Qatar PM in Beirut as Lebanon seeks economic relief: What to know Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani’s visit to Beirut coincides with the Lebanese authorities’ ongoing efforts to curb Hezbollah’s influence in the country. Lebanon
Explainer Syria arrests Mihrac Ural, ex-Assad militia head also wanted by Turkey The Turkey-born militia chief and a longtime ally of the Assad-regime, was sought by Ankara over the deadly Reyhanli bombings and by Damascus over his alleged role in massacres on the Mediterranean coast. Turkey
Is Hamas setting up military force in Golan Heights? Israel has accused Hamas of working on setting up a military force in the Syrian Golan Heights at the request of Iran. Palestine
Culture Alert: Art speaks to power in February February exhibitions in the Middle East offer satirical and fantastic looks at politics and society, clearly demonstrating that the fighting spirit in the arts is far from being defeated by the powers that be. Egypt
Collectors hunt down forgeries as Arab art market flourishes As Middle Eastern art experiences an international boom, Lebanese collector Basel Dalloul is leading a drive to expose forgeries and follow more stringent standards for authentication. Lebanon
Nine Lebanese women murdered by partners in single month As sexual and domestic violence complaints mount, Lebanese women's rights activists fear that violence against women in the country may be rising as women grow emboldened to resist abuse. Lebanon
What's Hamas up to in Lebanon? Saleh al-Arouri, deputy chief of Hamas' political bureau, is busy reinforcing the movement's presence in Lebanon and mending ties with Hezbollah. Palestine
Lebanon’s crisis allows Hezbollah to consolidate power once again Hezbollah's support base seems to be divided on Saad Hariri's sudden resignation from Riyadh and the visit of Asaib Ahl al-Haq leader Qais al-Khazali to Hezbollah members in south Lebanon. Legacy: Gulf
Lebanon's Animal Welfare law put to the test A video of municipal workers in the Beirut area killing stray dogs has raised the ire of activists and calls for adherence to the Animal Welfare law. Lebanon
Award-winning talk show for Arab youth tackles religion, sex An Arabic-language talk show gives Arab youth a space to speak and express themselves on everything from religion to sex. Qatar
Is Turkey aligned with al-Qaeda affiliate in Idlib? Russian-Turkish relations worsen as Syrian forces advance in Idlib; Al-Monitor leads media coverage of Iran’s financial crisis — by six months; the American University of Beirut dedicates "transformative" Halim and Aida Daniel Academic and Clinical Center. Lebanon
Lebanon’s energy promise could be regional game changer If handled correctly and the status quo between Hezbollah and Israel is maintained, Lebanon’s oil and gas exploration process will lead to the production of energy in 2021-22. Israel
Culture Alert: Art mingles with diplomacy, feminism and sport The Middle East's cultural scene at the start of 2018 is almost as lively as its political landscape, as art flirts with feminism, diplomacy and sport. Egypt
Lebanon's mothers see glint of hope in custody ruling A Shiite mother in Lebanon was recently granted temporary custody of her two children in what human rights advocates say could indicate a long overdue, small step forward in personal status laws. Lebanon