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
Despite tension, Syrian refugees find sympathy in Lebanese villages While Lebanon’s impoverished border towns are generally more concerned with pre-existing hardships than those brought by Syrian refugees, some xenophobia has crept into these areas. Lebanon
Rights organizations rally to reveal fate of Syria’s disappeared As the number of disappeared has reached more than 75,000 people in Syria, Amnesty International launched a campaign urging the Syrian authorities and armed groups to reveal their fate. Lebanon
Pro-Iranian Shiite factions lose popular support in Iraq The recent agreement between Hezbollah and a group of pro-Islamic State fighters to arrange their evacuation from the Lebanese-Syrian border to the Syrian-Iraqi border triggered an outburst of public anger against Hezbollah and Iraqi factions fighting alongside Hezbollah on Syrian territory for years. Iraq
Stranded by US airstrikes, IS fighters fleeing Lebanon retreat to Syria The Pentagon says it will leave the militants alone if they don't try to link up with Islamic State forces on the Iraqi border. Iraq
Culture Alert: Art scene revives in September The Middle East’s vibrant cultural scene kicks off in September, with art biennials, theater festivals and design fairs. Egypt
US targets Islamic State fighters leaving Lebanon after cease-fire US airstrikes blocked the militants’ route to the Syrian war zone of Deir ez-Zor near the border with Iraq. Lebanon
Plans to revive Lebanon’s ghost railways gather steam While some of Lebanon's train stations have been transformed into night clubs or tourist sites, the country's railway system could be revived at the end of the Syrian civil war to provide supplies to cities such as Homs and Damascus. Lebanon
US, UK join Lebanon's strange military bedfellows The Lebanese army has been under-equipped for decades, so it must now coordinate with Hezbollah and the Syrian army in its offensive against Islamic militants on the border and with assistance from the United States and the United Kingdom. Lebanon
Netanyahu raising alarm on Iran, again Israel has told US and Russian officials that Iran’s long-term strategies and its missile capabilities endanger the region. Saudi Arabia
Hotline helps Lebanese talk about sex With no sex education in Lebanon's schools, the launch of a new hotline gives the Lebanese a chance to ask their questions related to sex, relationships, sexual health and gender identity. Lebanon
Has US sacrificed Israel for Syria deal? Israel feels the Trump administration is not seriously taking into account Israel's concerns about Iran's regional aspirations. Israel
Lebanese society on edge with Arsal raid, battle Activists and lawyers defending Syrian refugees in Lebanon and uncovering human rights violations committed against them are receiving threats and are banned from expressing their opinion. Lebanon