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
Chatah's assassination marks rise of extremism In Lebanon, Syria and Iraq, the forces of moderation are being displaced by the forces of extremism. Saudi Arabia
Lebanese Shiite cleric calls for building inclusive state In an interview with Al-Monitor, Lebanese Shiite cleric Hani Fahs said that the region must work toward peace, and citizens should work to build inclusive states. Iraq
Al-Qaeda-affiliated emir arrested in Lebanon Majid bin Mohammad al-Majid, the emir of the Abdullah Azzam Brigades in the Levant, was arrested by the Lebanese army, and he is hospitalized. Lebanon
Another year, another chance for spring 2014 will be a time for the Middle East to assess the promises and falterings of the Arab Spring and rebuild the confidence of the people to push forward together. Lebanon
Chatah assassination marks dangerous escalation After the assassination of Lebanon's former finance minister, efforts must be made to protect Lebanon from further sectarian breakdown. Lebanon
Southern suburbs stand apart in Beirut Al-Monitor tours Beirut’s southern suburbs, a stronghold of Hezbollah, to learn more about life there and residents’ views on Hezbollah’s Syria policy. Lebanon
Famous diva's 'fondness' for Nasrallah stirs controversy Lebanese artist, musician and playwright Ziad Rahbani stirred controversy when he said in an interview that his mother, the acclaimed Lebanese diva Fairouz, was ‘fond’ of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Lebanon
Lebanese banks face prospects, challenges Political stability and another look at economic policies are needed to save Lebanese banks, which have acted as the national economy’s driving force. Lebanon
An appeal to Lakhdar Brahimi A cease-fire and the immediate holding of Geneva II must be at the top of Special Envoy to Syria Lakhdar Brahimi and the UN's agenda. Lebanon
How long can Lebanon’s private sector bail out government? Despite the mismanagement and corruption in the Lebanese government, the country’s economy has not collapsed yet because of its private sector and foreign remittances, but that situation may not last long. Lebanon
Nasrallah warns of consequences of Sidon violence In a speech on Dec. 20, Hassan Nasrallah warned of the grave implications an increasingly volatile Sidon could have for the whole of Lebanon. Lebanon
President Suleiman's remaining time in office As possible elections to replace Lebanese President Michel Suleiman loom in May, the head of state shows his resoluteness to fulfill his duties. Lebanon