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
Samy Gemayel: Hezbollah intervention helped bring Syria war to Lebanon In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Samy Gemayel, member of parliament and a senior leader of Lebanon’s Kataeb Party, said, “When you decide to go fight a war in another country, you have to expect that these people will go fight you in your own country.” Lebanon
Israel's constituency of conscience Israel's "constituency of conscience" emerges when its leaders eulogize Nelson Mandela while Palestinian residents are oppressed and dispossessed — and that is a hopeful sign for the future. Palestine
Israel's silent partner? There may be common interests shared by Jerusalem and Riyadh, but there is no "alliance" on the horizon. Saudi Arabia
Syrian events continue to develop in Geneva, Ghouta Though the battles taking place in both places take different forms, the events going on in Ghouta and Geneva will bear significantly on the near future of the conflict. Iraq
Suleiman: Parliament should not boycott presidential election Lebanese President Michel Suleiman criticized Hezbollah for going to fight in Syria and called for fixing some of the constitution’s flaws. Palestine
Hezbollah escalates rhetoric against Riyadh While Hezbollah and Saudi Arabia have been at odds for months over their opposing positions in the Syrian war, Hezbollah has recently escalated its rhetoric, directly accusing Riyadh of waging open warfare against the party. Saudi Arabia
Netanyahu worries about US reset in region If Iran is no longer a diplomatic taboo, could Hamas and Hezbollah be next for Washington? Palestine
Is US letting down allies in Lebanon with Iran deal? There is a growing belief among traditional US allies in Lebanon that the recent Iranian nuclear deal will be at their expense. Saudi Arabia
Mandela's legacy shines on Late South African leader Nelson Mandela will always remain a powerful symbol of liberation and triumph for the countries of the Arab Spring and others. Palestine
Regional violence threatens Lebanon's fragile stability As suicide attacks and explosions increase in Beirut, Lebanon is being inexorably drawn deeper into the Syrian conflict. Lebanon
National reconciliation in Egypt still in doubt As the political conflict escalates in Egypt, some are calling for a national reconciliation, yet many obstacles stand in the way. Egypt
Laqis assassination reveals crack in Hezbollah’s ‘security fortress’ The Dec. 4 assassination of a leading Hezbollah figure in Beirut occurred when the organization was in a state of heightened vigilance. Israel
