Lebanon uncovers new tunnel amid tensions with Hezbollah: What to know A tunnel was discovered near Beirut as tensions between Lebanese authorities and Hezbollah have been running high over the seizure of weapons shipments destined for the Iran-backed group. Lebanon
Analysis 'The problem and the solution': Netanyahu-Sharaa call exposes Israel's Syria dilemma The Israeli leader revealed that he spoke with the Syrian president last year, but stalled talks and Israel's fortification of a security zone on Syrian land underscore his mistrust of Sharaa. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Qatar PM in Beirut as Lebanon seeks economic relief: What to know Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani’s visit to Beirut coincides with the Lebanese authorities’ ongoing efforts to curb Hezbollah’s influence in the country. Lebanon
Explainer Syria arrests Mihrac Ural, ex-Assad militia head also wanted by Turkey The Turkey-born militia chief and a longtime ally of the Assad-regime, was sought by Ankara over the deadly Reyhanli bombings and by Damascus over his alleged role in massacres on the Mediterranean coast. Turkey
Lebanon's Shiite seminaries split between tradition, modernity Although most Shiite seminaries in Lebanon still follow a traditional curriculum, a number of schools have begun to revise and develop their educational approaches. Iraq
Lebanon’s new pulse In the shadow of the Syrian war, Lebanon may be discovering a new social contract. Lebanon
Lebanon on wrong economic track Lebanon is trying to fix structural economic problems by raising taxes, which will make matters worse. Lebanon
House bill demands tougher line against Hezbollah Bipartisan legislation introduced Monday in the House Foreign Affairs Committee pushes sanctions against financial institutions and satellite providers that aid Hezbollah. Lebanon
Next Lebanese president depends on Tehran, Riyadh Influential regional players, such as Iran and Saudi Arabia, are so far unable to agree on a presidential candidate in Lebanon. Saudi Arabia
Palestinians are right to go UN route US aid to the Palestinians represents an ongoing effort to deny them access to the United Nations and thus statehood. Palestine
Hezbollah sanctions bill targets central banks The House Foreign Affairs Committee is set to unveil a new sanctions bill targeting the Iran-backed militia Lebanon
Syria key to Lebanon presidency The politics of who will be Lebanon’s next president cannot be separated from the war in Syria. Lebanon
The tragedy of Ehud Olmert The chance for a peace agreement with the Palestinians disappeared with the former Israeli prime minister, who has been sentenced to prison for bribery. Palestine
Online company offers discreet condoms to Lebanon Yalla Condoms is selling contraceptives and other products over the Internet, saving its customers embarrassing trips to the drugstore in progressive Lebanon, where sexual taboos still linger. Lebanon
Tourism is Lebanon’s biggest missed opportunity A new report highlights the wasted potential of the tourism sector in Lebanon. Lebanon
Syria’s victory in Yabrud may be game changer At least for now, the recapture of Yabrud by Syrian government forces appears to have tilted the military and political balance in favor of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Israel