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
Israel anticipates Raqqa’s fall For Israel, the regional power balance after the end of the Islamic State could actually mean a Hezbollah reinforced by the Lebanese army, with Iran present on the Golan Heights front. Israel
Lebanon’s summer music festivals range from chic to psytrance From international concerts by the sea to gatherings at a family estate, Lebanon’s festivals offer a variety for music lovers. Lebanon
Syrian music lives in the streets of Beirut Global Week for Syria in Lebanon brings together Syrian musicians, as well as refugee children who take to the streets to sing. Lebanon
Regional developments accelerate Hamas-Hezbollah reconciliation Hamas and Hezbollah leaders have recently held meetings in Beirut, suggesting an end to their cold dispute over the Syrian war, as the Gulf-Qatari crisis continues. Legacy: Gulf
Tensions flare between IDF, UN peacekeepers in Lebanon With Hezbollah turning into a real army, with strong attack capabilities, Israel starts building a defense wall on its northern border. Israel
Iran draws line in the sand in Syrian desert Iran stakes claim in eastern Syria; Saudi move against Hamas; Qatar risks confrontation in the Gaza Strip. Saudi Arabia
Hamas hedging its bets in region Hamas appears to have adopted a new regional policy of avoiding taking sides and nurturing good relations with anyone willing to accept the group. Qatar
Power failure can't stop World Music Day in Egypt The French-sponsored Fete de la Musique fuses traditional, electronic and other genres of music, drawing large audiences in the Middle East. Countries
Recapture of Iraq-Syria border point heralds new regional reality The move by the Iraqi and Syrian governments to link the forces under their command along their border is a new reality on the ground. Iraq
Lebanon's civil society groups gear up for 2018 elections After Lebanon’s long-awaited electoral law was ratified, civil society movements and members are getting ready to join the elections that are scheduled to be held May 2018. Lebanon
IDF prepares for future of war in region After conducting military exercises in Cyprus, the Israel Defense Forces are trying to anticipate all possibilities of warfare on Israel's borders, including a ground confrontation in Lebanon with Hezbollah. Israel
Website helps Lebanon's migrant workers expose abuse Migrant domestic workers in Lebanon are not protected by labor laws, but a new website hopes to give them a voice to speak out against abuse. Lebanon