Iranian deputy foreign minister reasserts leadership on Syria, confidence in Hezbollah

During a visit to Beirut, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Hossein-Amir Abdollahian discussed Lebanese presidential elections and pressing regional issues, including relations between Washington, Riyadh and Moscow concerning Syria and the nuclear agreement.

Legacy: Gulf

The untold story of how Congress is helping save a Lebanese cultural jewel

A US senator created the American Committee for Tyre 35 years ago, and now former Hill staffers are bringing it back to life.

Lebanon

Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon becomes battlefield for Fatah-Islamist conflict

The precarious security situation in the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon has been reignited by recent clashes between the Fatah movement and Islamist militants inside the camp.

Palestine

With Khobar bomber's arrest, Saudi Arabia deals blow to Iran

With the recent arrest of the Khobar Tower bomber, Saudi-Iranian tensions have been elevated to new levels.

Saudi Arabia

Protesters in Iraq and Lebanon demand accountability

Demonstrations in Iraq and Lebanon may signal new round of "Arab Springs"; Will Saudi capture of Khobar towers mastermind affect US policy toward Iran?

Saudi Arabia

Lebanon protesters shift focus from garbage crisis to cleaning up government

The demonstrations held Aug. 22 by independent Lebanese activists against the government's mishandling of waste collection management are likely to continue, as people now shift their focus to corruption in the political class.

Lebanon

Why did it take Saudi Arabia 20 years to catch Khobar Towers bomber?

Reports have emerged that Saudi Arabia is holding Ahmed Ibrahim al-Mughassil, a Saudi Shiite who masterminded the 1996 attack on US military housing in Khobar that left 19 servicemen dead.

Saudi Arabia

Syrian official slams UN envoy's report

According to information a Syrian official shared with Al-Monitor, it doesn’t seem the report on Syria that UN Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura submitted to the Security Council recently will have long-lasting effects on the ground.

Saudi Arabia

Kidnapped Lebanese soldiers spared despite arrest of Salafist cleric

The Lebanese General Security’s arrest of Ahmad al-Assir raised concerns about the life of the kidnapped soldiers in the Bekaa, although a security official confirms that there are no apparent ties between Assir and Jabhat al-Nusra, which is holding the soldiers hostage.

Lebanon

Security Council: Syria 'largest humanitarian crisis in the world'

UN, Russia and Iran coordinate new diplomatic effort on Syria; what did Zarif tell Nasrallah?; Egyptian government rejects mediation with Muslim Brotherhood; did US-trained force coordinate with Jabhat al-Nusra?

Qatar

Beirut close to striking deal with Jabhat al-Nusra for release of servicemen

A source confirmed to Al-Monitor that Lebanon might be holding negotiations with al-Qaeda-affiliated Jabhat al-Nusra over the possible release of Lebanese prisoners in exchange for financial compensation.

Lebanon

What’s behind Zarif’s visit to Beirut?

An Iranian diplomat shared with Al-Monitor some behind-the-scenes information regarding the Iranian foreign minister’s visit to Beirut and its implications for Lebanon and the region.

Palestine