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
Assassinated Hezbollah leader key to technology, drone operations A source said Hassan al-Laqis was one of Imad Mughniyeh’s “smart students.” Israel
Somalia's democracy a pleasant surprise The Arab League and the African Union should support the nascent democratic transition in Somalia. Lebanon
Iran nuclear deal may be start of new era in Persian Gulf The Iran nuclear deal could be a breakthrough on regional ties. Legacy: Gulf
Beirut blast a lesson in terrorism The perpetrators of the Iranian Embassy bombing in Beirut carefully crafted the attack to cause maximum physical and psychological damage. Lebanon
Lebanese independence from 1943 pact to Baabda Declaration In Lebanon’s 70th year as an independent republic, the series of treaties and agreements to overcome internal disputes can all contribute to a more comprehensive solution to the question of national unity. Lebanon
Obama going big in the Middle East The "first step agreement" with Iran is a giant step toward recasting the strategic landscape in the Middle East for the better, including for US allies Israel and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
Netanyahu's nuclear blind spot Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's reaction to the Iran nuclear deal shows a blind spot in his thinking — and a bit of hypocrisy. Israel
Where is 'Democracy Brigade' to fight sectarian terrorists? The proliferation of sectarian violence overwhelms the region, which needs a democratic backlash. Saudi Arabia
The Syrian shadow on Lebanon-Saudi ties Lebanese President Michel Suleiman reviews Lebanon-Saudi ties in an official visit to Riyadh. Saudi Arabia
Crisis in Lebanon requires urgent action The Nov. 19 bombing of the Iranian Embassy in Beirut underscores Lebanon's need for a cabinet. Lebanon
Lebanon in crisis from spillover of Syria conflict Difficulty accommodating the exorbitant numbers of Syrian refugees pouring into the country, as well as growing sectarian tensions between Sunni and Shiite Muslims, highlight Lebanon’s dire situation. Lebanon
Iran Embassy bombing: Repeat of Iraqi model in Lebanon? The suicide bombing targeting the Iranian Embassy in Beirut on Nov. 19 shows that al-Qaeda has established both tactical and ideological cells in Lebanon. Lebanon
