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
US-Russia Agreement Gives Hope on Syria The US-Russian understanding on Syria presents a number of challenges but also positive opportunities. Lebanon
Twenty Years After the Oslo Accords! What Now? With the Oslo Accords, there is the illusion of negotiations. Palestine
Syria War Paralyzes Region's Economies General instability in post-Arab Spring Middle Eastern countries, along with ongoing conflicts, has left the region's economic situation particularly dismal. Lebanon
Israel's Brooding Versus Hopeful Expectation for Peace Israel's brooding over Syria should be shifted to hopeful expectation of a peaceful outcome. Lebanon
Is Hezbollah’s Syria Approach Tied To Shiite End-Times Doctrine? Some believe that Hezbollah’s approach to the Syrian conflict is tied into Shiite doctrine concerning Judgment Day. Lebanon
How Lucky Is Syria’s President? Bashar al-Assad knows that despite a brutal war, his allies have his back and his opposition is fractured — and also that the end of his regime does not mean the end of the war in Syria. Qatar
Obama, Putin Acknowledge Limits of Power The Russian initiative concerning Syria gives the international community a little breathing room to effect a realistic resolution to the conflict. Lebanon
Lebanon as 'Theater of Surprise' In Syria War Lebanon is the traditional battlefield for regional conflicts. Lebanon
UNIFIL, Hezbollah Prepare For Possible Syria Strike Having cooperated for decades in southern Lebanon, both UNIFIL forces and Hezbollah are preparing for the repercussions of US-led military action in Syria. Lebanon
Oslo Accords Offer Lessons After Twenty-Year 'Interim' The failures of the Oslo experience should inform the restarted Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. Palestine
'Diplomatic Vitality' Needed to Bring Peace to Syria While the US public awaits President Barack Obama's speech on Sept. 10, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has publicly criticized a US military attack against Syria, lobbying to continue negotiations during Geneva II. Lebanon
Syrian Islamist Rebels Threaten Maaloula, Christians The Aramaic-speaking village of Maaloula, a symbol of religious and sectarian coexistence in Syria, has been invaded and desecrated by Islamist opposition groups. Lebanon
