How the pandemic, plummeting oil prices could reshape Middle East

COVID-19 will weaken fragile states, raising risk of failure but creating openings for diplomacy.

Saudi Arabia

Families of Americans detained abroad want more US government attention, study finds

An analysis of US hostage policy found that efforts to free Americans wrongfully detained abroad are hampered by unclear policies and confusion.

Lebanon

Coronavirus forces Lebanese protesters into new posture

Anti-government protests have largely subsided in Lebanon due to government measures aimed at containing the spread of the novel coronavirus, but some activists continue to spread the message and are optimistic about the movement's future.

Lebanon

Is Syria unable, or unwilling, to fend off Iran coronavirus contagion?

While close links between Damascus and Tehran put the former at great risk of an influx of COVID-19 cases, Syria's reliance on Iran for political and military support may make stemming the spread more difficult.

Lebanon

Defaulted Lebanon hopes to pay off debts with cannabis

As soon as parliament returns from its closure over the novel coronavirus outbreak, a bill legalizing cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes is expected to pass as lawmakers address the country’s worst economic crisis in decades.

Lebanon

Beirut in the time of coronavirus outbreak

Beirut has turned into a ghost city as shops and restaurants that remained open during the civil war closed their doors in implementation of a general mobilization decision issued by the government to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

Lebanon

Intel: Lebanon frees jailed US citizen after Washington threatens sanctions

Lebanon released Amer Fakhoury, who is suffering from stage 4 cancer, after Washington threatened to move ahead with sanctions.

Lebanon

Intel: Senate plans imminent vote on Lebanon sanctions bill

The Senate is getting ready to vote on legislation that would sanction Lebanese officials responsible for wrongfully detaining American citizens, Al-Monitor has learned.

Lebanon

In Lebanon, the revolution will be televised

Activists began broadcast testing for Assolta4 TV, an online channel dedicated to the ongoing protest movement against worsening living conditions and government mismanagement and corruption.

Lebanon

A new generation lays its predecessors' ghosts to rest

In Al-Monitor's latest longform, we look at young people throughout the Mideast who have been at the forefront of efforts to turn the page on decades of sclerotic and rigged politics in favor of a more democratic alternative.

Iraq

Lebanon struggles to cope with COVID-19 amid financial crisis

As Lebanon reels under the brunt of the worst financial crisis in its recent history, the government struggles to provide the necessary equipment to be able to cater for a potential increase in novel coronavirus cases.

Lebanon

Lebanon latest country to restrict travel over coronavirus fears

Lebanon has banned flights to and from countries hardest hit by the coronavirus.

Lebanon