US seeks to train Lebanon army units to disarm Hezbollah: What to know Funding for such a program remains unclear, though the Pentagon has requested $36 million for fiscal year 2027 to support Lebanon’s army. Lebanon
Analysis Despite Trump pressure to limit Israel's Lebanon attacks, Aoun-Netanyahu meeting still unlikely As President Donald Trump pressures Israel to limit its strikes in Lebanon, Hezbollah is taking advantage of the situation. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
'Treason is war for external interests': Lebanon’s Aoun hits back at Hezbollah Lebanese President Joseph Aoun rejects Hezbollah’s criticism of talks with Israel, insisting negotiations are aimed at ending hostilities and saying “treason” is taking the country to war for external interests. Lebanon
Why US, Israel are freezing France out of Lebanon talks With talks between Israel and Lebanon being held in Washington, Paris still insists that it must be involved to balance possible American bias and to protect Beirut’s interests. Israel
Analysis Israel fears Trump angling for Lebanon deal to offset Iran missteps By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Was Thursday’s Beirut blast linked to Sidon attack? A security source said that Thursday’s explosion in Beirut may have been prepared in a hurry and may be linked to the attack on a Lebanese army checkpoint in Sidon on Dec. 15, 2013. Saudi Arabia
Chatah's assassination marks rise of extremism In Lebanon, Syria and Iraq, the forces of moderation are being displaced by the forces of extremism. Saudi Arabia
Lebanese Shiite cleric calls for building inclusive state In an interview with Al-Monitor, Lebanese Shiite cleric Hani Fahs said that the region must work toward peace, and citizens should work to build inclusive states. Iraq
Al-Qaeda-affiliated emir arrested in Lebanon Majid bin Mohammad al-Majid, the emir of the Abdullah Azzam Brigades in the Levant, was arrested by the Lebanese army, and he is hospitalized. Lebanon
Another year, another chance for spring 2014 will be a time for the Middle East to assess the promises and falterings of the Arab Spring and rebuild the confidence of the people to push forward together. Lebanon
Chatah assassination marks dangerous escalation After the assassination of Lebanon's former finance minister, efforts must be made to protect Lebanon from further sectarian breakdown. Lebanon
Southern suburbs stand apart in Beirut Al-Monitor tours Beirut’s southern suburbs, a stronghold of Hezbollah, to learn more about life there and residents’ views on Hezbollah’s Syria policy. Lebanon
Famous diva's 'fondness' for Nasrallah stirs controversy Lebanese artist, musician and playwright Ziad Rahbani stirred controversy when he said in an interview that his mother, the acclaimed Lebanese diva Fairouz, was ‘fond’ of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Lebanon
Lebanese banks face prospects, challenges Political stability and another look at economic policies are needed to save Lebanese banks, which have acted as the national economy’s driving force. Lebanon
An appeal to Lakhdar Brahimi A cease-fire and the immediate holding of Geneva II must be at the top of Special Envoy to Syria Lakhdar Brahimi and the UN's agenda. Lebanon
How long can Lebanon’s private sector bail out government? Despite the mismanagement and corruption in the Lebanese government, the country’s economy has not collapsed yet because of its private sector and foreign remittances, but that situation may not last long. Lebanon
Nasrallah warns of consequences of Sidon violence In a speech on Dec. 20, Hassan Nasrallah warned of the grave implications an increasingly volatile Sidon could have for the whole of Lebanon. Lebanon
