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
Challenges Await Egypt's New Constitution The 50-member committee for reviewing Egypt's constitutional amendments is trying to work out differences over certain key elements. Egypt
Israel Should Acknowledge Its Own Nuclear Program Instead of focusing solely on Iran, the international community should examine Israel's purported nuclear arsenal and its refusal to sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Israel
Hezbollah and Rouhani Hezbollah's relationship with Iran is not dependent on the Iranian presidency or government, but rather insitutions connected with the office of Iran's supreme leader and the velayati-e faqih. Lebanon
Netanyahu Should Not Dismiss Rouhani Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed his lack of faith in negotiations with Iran, but the international community should choose its own path. Israel
US-Iran Deal Would Bring Good News to Lebanon A thaw in US-Iran relations would, over time, have a positive effect on regional conflicts. Lebanon
Lebanese Army Takes Over Security In Beirut’s Southern Suburbs For the first time in decades, the Lebanese army has taken over security in Beirut’s southern suburbs — Hezbollah’s traditional stronghold — leading some to hope that this step can be applied throughout the country. Lebanon
International Support Group To Maintain Stability in Lebanon The participants of the International Support Group for Lebanon have a collective goal of maintaining stability in Lebanon, despite their individual opinions and policies on the Syrian crisis. Lebanon
Obama-Rouhani Phone Call Thaws Relations The phone call between Presidents Barack Obama and Hassan Rouhani is a beacon for future US-Iran relations. Lebanon
New Information Indicates Kidnapped Syrian Bishops Still Alive The two Syrian bishops kidnapped in April are still alive, according to new information, and Turkish authorities may be working to secure their release. Lebanon
In Lebanon, Syrian Refugees Put Political Differences Aside Syrian refugees in Lebanon try to avoid the divisions that are fueling the war at home. Lebanon
Rouhani UN Speech a Significant First Step Despite opposition from Israel's prime minister, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's speech to the UN General Assembly could push talks forward. Lebanon
Middle East Stability Hinges On Lebanon's Neutrality In his UN speech on Sept. 24, the Lebanese president reminded the world of the importance of helping Lebanon and keeping it neutral. Lebanon
