Lebanon seizes $2.5M in cash intended for Hezbollah at Beirut airport

Lebanese officials say a traveler from Turkey was detained and $2.5 million in cash was confiscated at the Beirut airport.

Lebanon

Canceled Syrian justice workshop sparks repression fears: What to know

Syrian civil society organizations condemned the sudden cancelation of a planned workshop on transitional justice in Damascus, calling it an act of oppression reminiscent of the Assad era.

Syria

Analysis

With Trump losing interest, Israel likely to buy time, extend phase one of deal

As US envoy Steve Witkoff shifts focus to Russia and Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas deal faces mounting hurdles ahead of phase 2 this Saturday, making it more likely to extend current status-quo.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Who is Daniel 'Razin' Caine, Trump’s pick to be US next top-ranking general?

Retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan Caine, a former F-16 pilot, special ops JTAC and White House counterterrorism official, played a key role in the fight against ISIS and has deep experience in AI-driven warfare.

United States

Gaza’s fragile calm teeters as Israel balks at full pullout

Israel and Hamas face a Saturday deadline to implement the next phase of the ceasefire, which includes the full withdrawal of Israeli troops and the release of the remaining hostages.

Israel

Iran’s IRGC says advanced warship joins naval fleet amid US tensions

The addition appears to be Iran's latest strategic yet cautious positioning in the face of strain with the United States and Israel.

Iran

Ethiopia’s PM in Somalia after deal to end Somaliland row: What to know

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit is the first since Ethiopia and Somalia agreed to end their dispute over a controversial agreement signed last year by Ethiopia and Somaliland.

Somalia

End of an era? PKK leader Ocalan orders militants to end war with Turkey, 'dissolve'

While Ocalan's call raises hopes for ending decades of conflict with Turkey, questions remain about the future of Kurdish politics in Syria and the broader region.

Turkey

Analysis

Could Israel's West Bank operation lead to annexation long sought by right?

The Israeli military is currently operating in West Bank Area A, which under the Oslo Accords should be administered fully by the Palestinian Authority.

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Lebanon’s government wins confidence vote ahead of Aoun’s visit to Saudi Arabia

The Lebanese parliament gave their backing to the new government's ministerial statement, which excluded acknowledgement of Hezbollah, days before President Aoun is set to visit Saudi Arabia.

Lebanon

Feature

Christians in Syria hopeful but wary of Sharaa’s intentions

Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has sought to reassure minorities their rights will be protected under the new government. But not all Christians are convinced by his message of inclusivity.

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

IAEA warns Iran ramping up uranium enrichment as US sanctions intensify

IAEA reports say Iran has accelerated its production of enriched uranium amid a renewed campaign of maximum pressure by the Trump administration.

Iran