In Lebanon, Italy proposes robust multinational force to replace UNIFIL: What to know Italy has produced alternative to replace the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon and preserve an international security presence there. Lebanon
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Syria, Israel hold US-mediated talks Pakistan’s Munir arrives in Tehran; major UAE economic delegation to visit Beirut; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
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
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
Israeli Road Project Increases Tensions on Lebanon Border Israel plans to build a road near the Lebanese border and the Wazzani River, the site of many conflicts and confrontations in the past, reports Nasser Chararah. Lebanon
Strong Message of Support for Israel At AIPAC Conference As the Israeli lobby meets in Washington, both US parties are trying to prove they're more pro-Israel than the other, writes Clovis Maksoud. Israel
Lebanon Beset by Kidnapping,Drugs and Jabhat al-Nusra Instability, kidnapping and terrorism have taken hold of Lebanon during a period of turbulence exacerbated by the civil war in neighboring Syria, writes Jean Aziz. Lebanon
UN Security Council Should Seek End to Israeli Occupation Nassif Hitti argues that a third Palestinian intifada is imminent, and says the UN Security Council should make a serious commitment to ending the Israeli occupation. Palestine
Lebanese Unions End Strikes As Economic Crisis Continues Although Lebanese President Michel Suleiman has succeeded in ending a weeklong wave of public sector strikes that paralyzed much of Lebanon, the country’s economy still faces many challenges, writes Elie Hajj. Lebanon
Hagel, Syria, the P5+1 and Iran The Senate confirmed Chuck Hagel as secretary of defense as the United States announced $60 million in non-lethal aid to the Syrian Opposition Council; Israel, Iraq and Lebanon continue to be concerned about the regionalization of the war in Syria; and Iran puts Syria in play after the P5+1 meetings. Iraq
Lebanese Politician Criticizes Failures in Government Services Speaking to Elie Hajj, a prominent Lebanese politician argues that the country’s political class is incapable of resolving problems and fails to address the citizens' most basic needs. Lebanon
Hezbollah-Israel Psychological War Continues in Nasrallah Speech Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah’s television appearance on Feb. 27 was a carefully crafted psychological warfare operation, writes Nasser Chararah. Israel
Syria Remains Prisoner Of International Indecision The outcome of the meeting between U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Syrian opposition leader Moaz al-Khatib demonstrates the regional and international constraints hampering resolution of the Syrian crisis, writes Clovis Maksoud. Lebanon
Beirut on Edge After Nasrallah Speech The speech by Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah on Feb. 26 holds many similarities to his speech on May 6, 2008, writes Jean Aziz. Lebanon
Lebanese Political Crisis Related to Rise in Crime The increase in security concerns around the war in Syria has led to a sharp rise in crime in Lebanon, writes Elie Hajj. Lebanon
Hezbollah Probes Detente With Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood Hezbollah leaders look to improve relations Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood, or at least refrain from criticism, while emphasizing their shared interests, writes Nasser Chararah. Egypt