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
Saudi-Qatar Honeymoon In Lebanon Is Over Seemingly eager to turn the regional unrest to their advantage, both Qatar and Saudi Arabia are carefully strategizing their diplomatic efforts in the Mideast. Saudi Arabia
Lebanon Army Prohibits Nakba Demonstration in Maroun al-Ras To avoid a repeat of last year, when Palestinian demonstrators breached the Israeli border fence, the Lebanese army has prohibited Palestinian demonstrators from going to Maroun al-Ras to commemorate Nabka Day. Palestine
Palestine and Syria Vie For Center Stage in Region Does the media’s preoccupation with Israeli-Palestinian negotiations overshadow developments in Syria? Palestine
Rise of Radical Jihadists Setback for Syria US military intervention would not have prevented, and will not prevent, radical jihadism in Syria. Lebanon
Russian Embassy in Beirut Becomes Hub for Syria Diplomacy With Russia’s diplomatic base relocated from Damascus to Beirut, Moscow is refining its strategy on the Syrian crisis as the second Geneva conference nears. Lebanon
Emerging Lebanese Pop Musicians Defy 'Habibi' Songs A new generation of musicians like Mike Massy is openly challenging the “plastic-surgery obsession and glam life” of the country’s thriving pop scene with their lyrics and performances. Lebanon
Can the Israeli Defense Budget Be Cut In Half? A veteran Israeli Defense Forces general claims the threats to Israel today do not require a massive military or huge air force. Egypt
Syrian Parties Respond to US-Russia Conference Proposal Syrian parties consider their participation in the conference proposed by the United States and Russia. Lebanon
No 'Good Guys' Or 'Bad Guys' in Syria Saudi Arabia and Qatar need to support a diplomatic outcome in Syria. Saudi Arabia
After 65 Years of Nakba, Hope In New Palestinian Generation The latest generation of Palestinian refugees may be one to restore the right of return. Palestine
Iran Fears Partnership on Syria Between US, Russia If Russia and the United States start cooperating to resolve the Syrian crisis, Assad may forced to jump into Iran’s lap. Lebanon
Game-Changers in Syria Will Lead To Israel-Iran Confrontation The confrontation between Israel and Iran is escalating over Syria and expanding in Lebanon. Lebanon
