French cement giant Lafarge on trial for ‘funding terrorism’ in Syria: What to know The French company is accused of funneling millions of dollars via its subsidiary Lafarge Cement Syria to jihadi groups and intermediaries to keep its cement plant operating in northern Syria. Syria
Erdogan's top ally calls for release of Kurdish leader amid speculation of rift The nationalist leader has also pushed back against rift speculations between him and the Turkish president amid ongoing peace talks with the Kurdish militants. Turkey
Analysis With Hezbollah rearming, Israel considers heavy hits in Lebanon A diplomatic source told Al-Monitor that Washington is trying to avoid an all-out war in Lebanon but “maybe a significant attack [against Hezbollah] will do the trick." By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
