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
Arrest warrant issued for ex-minister over Beirut blast Youssef Fenianos, Lebanon's former public works and transportation minister, had reportedly failed to appear for questioning before the judge. Lebanon
Survivors, rights groups call for UN to investigate Beirut blast The joint letter with 145 signatories called on the UN Human Rights Council to heed the call of survivors and launch an independent, international probe of the blast. Lebanon
Lebanese energy plan includes Syria A meeting of Jordanian, Egyptian, Lebanese and Syrian ministers seems to have cracked Syria's isolation. Jordan
Lebanon forms new government The formation of a new government led by Prime Minister Najib Mikati brings to an end a 13-month gridlock in Lebanon. Lebanon
Lebanon won't deport six detained Syrian refugees Five of the six men are from Syria's Daraa province, where government forces and rebels have clashed in recent months. Lebanon
Egypt, Jordan, Syria agree to export gas to crisis-stricken Lebanon Syria also agreed to transfer Jordanian electricity to Lebanon, while Iran already sent fuel. News Brief
Lebanon's president calls for UN action after Israeli strikes Lebanese President Michel Aoun said recent Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah violated Lebanon's sovereignty. Lebanon
Will the Taliban welcome al-Qaeda back to Afghanistan? Afghanistan's economy is hanging by a thread; Iran makes the best of the Taliban; the "resistance" finds inspiration; five must reads on Afghanistan. Iran
Fires in northern Lebanon caused by high temperatures, winds Lebanon has experienced several wildfires this summer, as have other countries in the region. Lebanon
Lebanese commemorate Beirut port explosion anniversary with statue, music Activists and families of the victims of the deadly Beirut port blast have criticized a statue that was erected at the explosion site, saying they need to get to the truth behind the explosion before holding any memorial. Lebanon
Fuel crisis roils Lebanon Lebanon's fuel crisis is killing people, and hospital patients could be among the next victims. Lebanon
Fires continue in Lebanon amid regional outbreak Large wildfires have affected Turkey, Syria and European countries recently. Lebanon