Newsletter: Daily Briefing US-Iran technical talks set to resume next week Hormuz tolls and frozen funds pose early tests for Iran deal; Iran's generals intensify anti-US rhetoric; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Explainer Lebanon advances controversial $500K golden visa law: What to know While its supporters say the scheme would help Lebanon's economy recover, critics say it could offer a channel for corruption. Lebanon
Analysis Pilot zones at center of Israel-Lebanon talks as Trump pressures Netanyahu With the fifth round of talks set to begin Tuesday, Israel is prepared to withdraw from at least one “pilot zone,” allowing the Lebanese army to take control of the area. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran says nuclear negotiations have not started yet Iran disputes US optimism over nuclear talks as Washington eases oil sanctions and regional tensions remain fragile. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Analysis As US reshapes Lebanon strategy, Israel finds itself sidelined By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Analysis How Netanyahu used Lebanon strikes to push back on Trump’s Iran deal By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
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
Syrian refugees in Lebanon face mental health crisis Syrian refugees in Lebanon who suffer from mental disorders often go without treatment, but some nongovernmental organizations are working to change this. Lebanon
Druze caught up in 'game of nations' The Syrian Druze, staunch allies of the Assad regime, face an existential threat from opposition forces, which is why Druze leaders in neighboring countries have been calling for arming them and for better relations with the Sunni community. Israel
What's delaying gas exploration in Lebanon? Gas exploration in Lebanon has been in limbo for over two years, but with the renewed international efforts, will the file be reopened? Lebanon
When drones fall from the sky into Lebanon Two drones have fallen over Lebanon in just a few weeks, raising questions about their origin and whether the two crashes could be coincidental. Israel
Christians clash with Lebanese security forces Lebanon has been without a president for over a year now, and sectarian sensitivities are at their highest. Lebanon
South Beirut clashes spark deja vu The recent fighting between young pro-Future Movement Sunni men and pro-Hezbollah Shiite youth raised fears about the eruption of sectarian clashes in Lebanon, as happened on May 7, 2008. Lebanon