Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran threatens ‘devastating’ response as US ramps up sanctions Syrian Kurds announce integration with Damascus; US Treasury issues Hezbollah Iran-linked sanctions; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
US Treasury issues Hezbollah sanctions, labels group Iran-linked The sanctions target couriers ferrying Hezbollah funds on commercial flights across the region. Lebanon
In first, Lebanon to hand over former Syrian general to Sharaa government The decision comes as Syria's new authorities move to prosecute former regime figures over alleged crimes committed during the country's civil war. Lebanon
After 44 years, Israel retrieves remains of soldier killed in Lebanon: What to know The Israeli military recovered the remains of Yehuda Katz, an Israeli soldier who was killed in the Battle of Sultan Yacoub in Lebanon 44 years ago. Israel
Analysis Israel defies Trump on Lebanon as Netanyahu, Katz prioritize elections By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Lebanese PM urges Israeli withdrawal in meeting with US envoy By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Israel moves against West Bank settlers after Huckabee criticism By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Lebanon's Christian mediators The newly formed Lebanese government has until mid-March to agree to a ministerial statement, as signs suggest that Christian parties could serve as mediators to the Sunni-Shiite dispute. Lebanon
Lebanon experiences three diverse events The announcement of a new government in Lebanon was not the only news from the country this week. Lebanon
Bombings renew fears in Beirut’s southern suburbs Although the Lebanese in general, and the residents of Beirut’s southern suburbs in particular, felt relieved after security breakthroughs and arrests, their fears have been renewed since the Feb. 19 twin attacks in Bir Hassan. Lebanon
Rival Lebanese camps form unity government to fight terrorism After months of accusing each other of treason, rival Lebanese camps formed a unity government to fight the growing terrorist threat. Lebanon
Lebanon’s new government based on mutual oversight After a governmental vacuum that lasted 11 months, Lebanese parties have finally formed a government based on Sunni and Shiite groups providing a supervisory role to the other, with Christians serving as mediators. Lebanon
Women in Lebanon still threatened by sexism, violence Several cases of kidnapping, violence and other acts against women indicate that Lebanon still has a long way to go in ensuring gender equality. Lebanon
Lebanon between Obama and Hollande Similar to the convergence between the United States and France over Lebanon in 2005, one between Presidents Barack Obama and Francois Hollande may soon help Lebanon gain a new government and president. Lebanon
Hariri, Nasrallah speeches will shape next steps in Lebanon Two speeches, one by Saad Hariri on Feb. 14 and one by Hassan Nasrallah on Feb. 16, will decide whether a new Lebanese government is formed. Lebanon
Lebanon government talks stall again Developments at the Geneva II conference and in the Western-Iranian nuclear talks may have stalled Lebanon’s government formation Lebanon
Israeli security chiefs modify assessment on Syrian war The Israel Defense Forces estimate that the Syrian war may last a decade, ending with Syria being divided into several cantons, with jihadist forces on the Israeli border and Hezbollah gaining in military experience. Israel
Have bombings united the Lebanese Shiites behind Hezbollah? Although many suspect the recent bombings in Lebanon are aimed at breaking Shiite support for Hezbollah, they may be having the opposite effect. Lebanon
Neutrality, reform needed to rescue Lebanon’s economy Lebanon’s economy is collapsing and the only thing that can save it is a new government that keeps Lebanon neutral in the Syrian war and implements economic and administrative reforms. Lebanon