As Hezbollah vows to defend Iran, Lebanon braces for potential spillover Lebanon once again finds itself preparing for Hezbollah’s involvement in a looming US-Iranian military confrontation. Lebanon
Kuwait blacklists eight Lebanon hospitals over alleged Hezbollah ties: What to know The affected hospitals, located in areas where Hezbollah has a heavy presence, are believed to be run by Hezbollah-affiliated institutions. Lebanon
US sanctions Hezbollah-linked gold exchange, Iran-tied shipping network The move comes as the United States pursues a deal with Iran that would curb its support for Hezbollah and other regional militias. Lebanon
Lebanon, Syria sign deal to transfer 300 Syrian prisoners: What we know Lebanon and Syria signed a deal to transfer more than 300 convicted Syrians held in Lebanese prisons to their home country to complete their sentences. Lebanon
New IDF strategy dismisses Iran nuclear threat The IDF's new strategy document declares Iran's nuclear program non-threatening and instead prepares to deal with attacks by Iranian proxies and other armed organizations in the region. Palestine
Zarif presses diplomacy on Syria Iran brokers humanitarian cease-fires in Syria; Yair Lapid discusses “dreadful gamble” in US-Israel relations; Turkey’s Stone Age temple may predate Stonehenge and Egyptian pyramids by thousands of years. Oman
Zarif pushes Syria plan ahead of Iran-GCC talks With a nuclear deal in hand, Iran is focusing on jump-starting regional diplomacy and dealing with Syria. Legacy: Gulf
Sahl al-Ghab emerges as main focus of Syrian rebels' fight against regime Syria’s Sahl al-Ghab region is of strategic importance to the Syrian opposition factions that have been trying to weaken the Assad regime whose largest pool of supporters is based there. Lebanon
Lebanese split over Iran deal Political views in Lebanon diverge over the Iranian nuclear deal, as some consider it a tool to tighten relations between Tehran and Beirut and others as a way for Iran to further expand its influence in the region. Lebanon
Lobbying 2015: US won't let Syria drag down Lebanon Lebanon’s central bank and its private financial firms are spending big money to prevent US pressure from unraveling one of the only sectors that still functions in the politically gridlocked nation. Lebanon
Will nuke deal open door to Iranian military assistance to Lebanon? The Iranian nuclear agreement has removed a major obstacle to Tehran's offer of military assistance to Lebanon, but government dysfunction in Beirut remains a stumbling block. Lebanon
Assyrian Christian woman shares story of captivity by Islamic State In this interview with Al-Monitor, a Christian Assyrian woman recounts her experience of being kidnapped by Islamic State militants. Lebanon
International intrigue surrounds missing Czechs in Lebanon Speculation has it that the disappearance of five Czech nationals in the Bekaa Valley is connected to an alleged Lebanese smuggler who is wanted by the United States, is being detained in Prague and has supposed ties to deposed Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych. Lebanon
Lebanon sees green future in ecotourism Ecotourism could potentially turn into a sustainable source of income for Lebanon, and some organizations have been coordinating efforts to develop the field. Lebanon
What Lebanon will get from the Iran deal Economist Hassan Mokalled told Al-Monitor that the expected boost the nuclear deal will provide Iran's economy could benefit Lebanon in several areas. Lebanon
Lebanese, UN fall out over refugee registration Lebanese officials have criticized UNHCR efforts to register Syrian refugee births, arguing that the country is at capacity. Lebanon
