US brokers deal for limited Israeli withdrawal in south Lebanon The deal establishes a US-facilitated military coordination group to oversee the creation of two initial pilot zones in southern Lebanon. Lebanon
Explainer Gulf states push incentives for investors, expats after war dents image Several Gulf states are working to recover their images as global havens of stability in the wake of the Iran war. United Arab Emirates
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran insists on right to control shipping in Strait of Hormuz Supreme Court backs Trump move to end Syrians’ deportation protections; Lebanon cancels national high school exams; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
As US talks stall, Hezbollah chief defiant, says Israel to leave Lebanon ’humiliated' The speech comes as the Lebanese-Israeli talks appeared to reach a deadlock this week amid Israel’s refusal to withdraw from Lebanese territory as long as Hezbollah remains armed. Lebanon
Newsletter: Daily Briefing US-Iran technical talks set to resume next week By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Analysis Pilot zones at center of Israel-Lebanon talks as Trump pressures Netanyahu By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Lebanon at Crossroads Between Tradition and Progress Downtown Beirut recently witnessed two opposing events: a gathering of Salafists calling for a return to religious values, and a civil marriage aimed at achieving social progress, both of which illustrate Lebanon at a crossroad, writes Nasser Chararah. Lebanon
Lebanese Electoral Law Redresses Christian Rights The proposed electoral law should allow Christian parties to have a greater say in Lebanese politics, writes Scarlett Haddad. Saudi Arabia
UAE Deports 125 Lebanese Citizens The UAE recently deported some 125 Lebanese citizens, as Lebanese Shiites also face harassment in Libya, reports an Al-Monitor Lebanon Pulse contributor. United Arab Emirates
Offshore Gas Key to UK Interest In Lebanon In a bid to increase its political sway in the country, as well as take advantage of offshore gas reserves in Lebanese waters, the UK has sent its foreign secretary to meet with Lebanon’s prime minister, writes Nasser Chararah. Lebanon
Freedom of Expression Takes Another Hit in Lebanon Jean Aziz argues that freedom of expression in Lebanon is regularly restricted by the authorities for a variety of baffling reasons, despite this right being enshrined in the Lebanese constitution. Lebanon
No Conditions on Syrian Dialogue Al-Monitor’s coverage and analysis of the demonstrations in the West Bank, the role of Hezbollah in Syria, and the urgency of starting negotiations between the Syrian government and the opposition without conditions. Palestine
The Israel-Hezbollah Shadow War Israel and Hezbollah prefer a shadow war of terror and assassination rather than disturbing the uneasy truce on the Israel-Lebanon border, writes Ali Hashem. Israel
Obama Should Make Clear US Position on Golan The announcement that Genie Energy, a US company, has been granted a license for oil exploration in the Golan requires the US to make clear its position that the Golan Heights are Syrian territory under Israeli occupation, writes Clovis Maksoud. Israel
March 14 Coalition Threatened By Draft Lebanese Electoral Law Some groups, including the March 14 Coalition, mistrust that the Orthodox Electoral Law will improve the political scene, reports Elie Hajj. Lebanon
Syrian Government Insists: No Conditions on Dialogue A Syrian official says Damascus is in principle open to dialogue, but not with preconditions, reports Jean Aziz. Lebanon
Syria War Spurs US Military Aid To Lebanon The Obama administration intends to continue aid to the Lebanese army to help prevent the spread of sectarian fighting from Syria and to counter the influence of Hezbollah. Lebanon
'Orthodox Plan' Would Be A Setback for Lebanon The so-called "Orthodox Plan" for the forthcoming Lebanese parliamentary elections would be a setback for Lebanon and a step toward greater sectarianism, writes Clovis Maksoud. Lebanon