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
Female DJs find the beat in Beirut Beirut's female DJs are multiplying in the city's clubs, bringing their own unique sounds to a scene once dominated by males. Lebanon
Lebanese women feel inner beauty not enough Beauty standards in Lebanon have increased pressure on women and men alike, from all ages, to undergo cosmetic surgeries and other forms of enhancement. Lebanon
Esperance Ghanem on why she writes Al-Monitor contributor Esperance Ghanem shares her thoughts on journalism. Lebanon
Imprisoned IS members open up to Lebanese social workers Two Lebanese sisters have been taking great risks to research the reasons people turn to extremism, interviewing members of IS, al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups in Roumieh prison for their side of the story. Lebanon
Why did Lebanon's security initiative fail? Lebanon's former director-general of General Security told Al-Monitor that his initiative to free the abducted Lebanese soldiers and to drive the Islamic State from Lebanon was welcomed by Syria but rejected by the United States and Lebanon. Lebanon
Hezbollah-Hariri at stalemate The dialogue between Hezbollah and Future Movement leader Saad Hariri does not seem to be getting anywhere, as security and political issues such as the resistance’s weapons and the presidential vacuum remain unresolved. Lebanon
Parliamentary presence sticking point for Lebanon's women Although Lebanon is considered a pioneer country in terms of female empowerment, women are still timidly represented in politics, as these usually access parliament following the death of their relatives. Lebanon
The 'Red Lips High Heels' movement In an interview with Al-Monitor, Pamela Chrabieh, holder of a doctorate in theology-sciences of religion, talks about her passion for work and the steps she has taken throughout her life to change how men view women in the workplace. Lebanon
Will Nadine Moussa be Lebanon's next president? Lawyer and activist Nadine Moussa, the first woman in Lebanon to submit her candidacy for the presidential elections, tells Al-Monitor that women are still struggling to break the political traditions of a patriarchal country. Lebanon
Retiring officials trigger security concerns in Lebanon In light of the presidential vacuum, Lebanese political forces have established a new mechanism for making decisions in Cabinet, a formula that will be tested when a number of key security officials retire in 2015. Lebanon
The female 'rock stars' of terror Women such as Saja al-Dulaimi and Joumana Hmayed are often used for smuggling messages, money and arms by extremist groups in addition to suicide bombing operations. Lebanon
10 Middle East artists to watch Many female artists in the Middle East and North Africa are redefining their mediums. Bahrain