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
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
Lebanon has historic chance to regain neutrality The conflict between the Sunnis and Shiites in Lebanon is an opportunity for Christians to revive the Baabda Declaration, which calls for Lebanon’s neutrality, a historic Christian principle. Lebanon
Will Lebanon have to start from scratch to form new government? As the governmental vacuum persists and Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Tammam Salam fails to reach a consensus among rival parties, it seems likely that the cabinet formation process may start over. Lebanon
US Working Group gives wrong advice on Egypt A distinguished group of US experts on Egypt offers the wrong advice on Egypt. Palestine
Lebanon fights back against terrorists Despite the ongoing terrorist attacks in Lebanon, the country’s authorities have made significant arrests in their war against terror. Lebanon
Suicide attack targets Shiite town in Lebanon On Feb. 1, a suicide attack targeted the Shiite-majority town of Hermel in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, the fifth suicide attack against Shiite areas in less than three months. Lebanon
Al-Qaeda now frontline threat to Israel With gains in Syria, Lebanon and Egypt, al-Qaeda and its affiliates threaten Israel more than ever. Iraq
Are UN Security Council anti-al-Qaeda terror statutes properly enforced? The UN Security Council has established a regime for a travel ban, asset freeze and arms embargo against the al-Qaeda network since 1999, but new circumstances bring about serious doubts if such a regime is still functioning. Yemen