Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran threatens Europe Iran threatened Wednesday to strike US bases in Europe and elsewhere beyond the Middle East if attacks resume on the Islamic Republic as mediators work to de-escalate the war. By Gabrielle Debinski In New York City, reporting on the Middle East
France, US push rival UNIFIL plans ahead of Lebanon mandate expiry With the mandate of the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon due to expire in six weeks, France and the United States are advancing sharply different proposals for the country's future after UNIFIL's departure. Israel
Lebanon detains Hezbollah members as PM pledges end to impunity Concerns about internal strife are growing amid tensions between Lebanese authorities and Hezbollah. Lebanon
Lebanon’s AI ambitions face classroom test AI and technology proficiencies are needed to boost the country's economic growth, but as the education system struggles, student reliance on chatbots for learning is growing. Lebanon
Iran Fears Partnership on Syria Between US, Russia If Russia and the United States start cooperating to resolve the Syrian crisis, Assad may forced to jump into Iran’s lap. Lebanon
Game-Changers in Syria Will Lead To Israel-Iran Confrontation The confrontation between Israel and Iran is escalating over Syria and expanding in Lebanon. Lebanon
Lebanese Prime Minister-Designate Seeks to Break Deadlock Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Tammam Salam is considering new options to break the deadlock on his forming a new government, writes Jean Aziz. Lebanon
Hope for Syria? Lakhdar Brahimi’s decision to stay on as UN envoy for Syria may offer a glimmer of hope for diplomacy in Syria, writes Clovis Maksoud. Lebanon
Nasrallah Threatens Golan Front With Israel Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has announced that the next phase of the Syria war will not be limited to Syria, but will include Lebanon and Israel as well, reports Ali Hashem. Israel
Nasrallah Increases Stakes in Syria War Famous for his use of allusions and nuance, Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah spoke with an unusual clarity and directness on May 9 about Syria, writes Scarlett Haddad. Israel
Will Syria Retaliate For Israeli Airstrikes? If Syria is going to retaliate for Israeli's recent strikes, it is unlikely to do so soon, alone or in a manner that would lead to a comprehensive war, observes Haytham Mouzahem in an examination of official statements. Israel
The Airstrikes in Syria: Winners and Losers A week has passed since the airstrikes in Syria, making it a good time to take stock of the situation from Israeli, Syrian, Hezbollah and Iranian perspectives, writes Yoav Limor. Israel
Hezbollah's Russian Connection Jean Aziz asks whether Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah has reassured his base following two televised speeches in nine days. Lebanon
Europe and the Politics Of Syrian Oil The EU lifted a ban on the export of Syrian oil from rebel areas and must figure out how to get hold of the oil, much of which lies under destroyed infrastructure and in areas of active fighting, writes Nasser Chararah. Lebanon
Hezbollah’s Opponents Filling Power Vacuum With Lebanon waiting for the prime minister-designate to form a government and Hezbollah engaged in the Syrian civil war, Beirut's political factions are maneuvering for position, writes Elie Hajj. Lebanon
How the Arab League Can Help Israel, Palestine Negotiate Nassif Hitti writes on the John Kerry–Arab League meeting and how to resume negotiations for a peaceful Israeli-Palestinian resolution. Palestine
