Analysis 'The problem and the solution': Netanyahu-Sharaa call exposes Israel's Syria dilemma The Israeli leader revealed that he spoke with the Syrian president last year, but stalled talks and Israel's fortification of a security zone on Syrian land underscore his mistrust of Sharaa. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Qatar PM in Beirut as Lebanon seeks economic relief: What to know Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani’s visit to Beirut coincides with the Lebanese authorities’ ongoing efforts to curb Hezbollah’s influence in the country. Lebanon
Explainer Syria arrests Mihrac Ural, ex-Assad militia head also wanted by Turkey The Turkey-born militia chief and a longtime ally of the Assad-regime, was sought by Ankara over the deadly Reyhanli bombings and by Damascus over his alleged role in massacres on the Mediterranean coast. Turkey
Syria denies meeting with Lebanon’s Hezbollah in Turkey: What to know Both Damascus and Ankara denied reports that Syrian officials met with Hezbollah representatives in Turkey, as relations between the two sides remain fraught with tensions mainly over the Lebanese group’s support for Assad’s forces against rebels during the Syrian civil war. Syria
Economic meltdown in Lebanon leaves pets homeless In Lebanon's ongoing economic collapse, hundreds of cats and dogs are thrown into the streets every month. Lebanon
Egypt ready to pump gas to Lebanon While Syria says the Arab Gas Pipeline on its territory is set and ready, Egypt announces that it is ready to export natural gas to Lebanon in the first quarter of 2022. Egypt
Will Lebanon’s economic crunch stir demographic change? The emigration of Lebanese, especially Christians, raises concerns in Lebanon in terms of the demographic change that it may lead to, in light of the economic crisis that the Lebanese have been experiencing for nearly two years. Lebanon
Lebanese opt for new emigration destinations amid crises Lebanon is witnessing one of the biggest waves of emigration in its history as the country faces its worst socio-economic conditions amid a worsening political crisis; Turkey, Armenia and Georgia have become new destinations. Lebanon
Lebanon's elderly population devastated by crash As one of the 16 countries in the world that don’t offer social security, older people in Lebanon are spending their last years struggling and depending on aid groups to survive. Lebanon
Lebanon's information minister resigns amid Gulf row George Kordahi's resignation comes a day before French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia. Lebanon
Lebanon announces curfew for unvaccinated amid Omicron concerns For three weeks beginning Dec. 17, those without at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose or a recent negative PCR test will be subject to a curfew from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Lebanon
Russia sends satellite images of Beirut port explosion to Lebanon Lebanese and Russian officials also discussed upgrading a Russian oil terminal in the Beirut port during a meeting in Moscow. Lebanon
Families of Lebanese arrested for Beirut blast demand their release Several customs and port officials have been arrested and held in prison in relation to the deadly explosion, but nobody has been convicted. News Brief
Arab League says talks in Lebanon 'starting point' amid Gulf rift Hossam Zaki, the Arab League’s deputy chief, also offered to travel to Saudi Arabia to help mediate the diplomatic row. Lebanon
Economic meltdown hits Lebanese funeral industry With the economy in tatters, many Lebanese are struggling to afford basic funeral services. Lebanon
Lebanon’s president, prime minister agree on plan to solve crisis with Gulf Saudi Arabia and its allies are angry with a Lebanese minister over comments he made on the war in Yemen, but the row may actually be about the influence of Iran’s ally Hezbollah in Lebanon. Lebanon