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
Obama's Visit to West Bank Clovis Maksoud suggests that the recent Israeli elections may have unexpected results for President Obama's visit. Lebanon
Assassination Will Not Weaken Iran’s Support for Assad Meir Javedanfar speculates that the assassination of a senior member of the Army of the Guardians of the Islamic Revolution (IRGC) will not sink Iran’s support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Lebanon
In Address, Obama Offers 'Steadfast' Support for Israel US President Barack Obama was eloquent in his State of the Union address, although there was no mention of Palestinians or Israeli settlements, writes Clovis Maksoud. Lebanon
Terrorism Case Against Samaha Moves to Next Stage Michel Samaha and Ali Mamlouk, along with a third accomplice known as Col. Adnan, have been indicted on charges of plotting to carry out terrorist attacks, writes Mohammad Harfoush. Lebanon
Syria's Wealthy Refugees Wait Out War in Beirut Many affluent Syrians who have escaped the violence sweeping their country have temporarily settled in Beirut, given its proximity to Syria and opulent lifestyle, writes Elie Hajj. Lebanon
Civil Marriages to Mark Anniversary of Civil War In a symbolic ceremony to be held on April 13, the anniversary of the outbreak of the civil war, Lebanese couples will obtain civil marriages in a gesture of national unity, writes Mohammad Harfoush. Lebanon
Failure to Confront Extremists Keeps Tunisian Unity Elusive The Tunisian government's lackluster reaction to the murder of opposition leader Chokri Belaid is setting a very dangerous precedent, writes Nassif Hitti. Lebanon
Life Continues in Damascus Despite Surrounding Conflict As the Syrian conflict nears its third year, Damascus remains largely detached from its rural surroundings, writes Nasser Chararah. Lebanon
Deputy Speaker Makari: 'We Do Not See Stability in Lebanon' Speaking to Al-Monitor's Elie Hajj, Lebanon's Deputy Speaker Farid Makari explains why he believes the European Union will likely implicate Hezbollah's military wing in the murders in Bulgaria, but not classify Hezbollah as a terrorist organization. Lebanon
Visit of Lebanese Patriarch to Syria Sparks Controversy Lebanese Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai recently visited Syria, in a move that sparked controversy among Lebanon's already divided political circles, writes Elie Hajj. Lebanon
Hezbollah Goes on Defense In Response to Bulgaria Bombing After a period of apparent indifference on Hezbollah's part regarding recent accusations that it was behind last summer’s Burgas bombing, Nasser Chararah argues that the party will soon adopt a strategy of defense. Lebanon
Hezbollah Prepares to Make Its Case On Bulgaria Indictment Hezbollah will respond on Feb. 16 to Bulgarian accusations that the group is responsible for the Burgas bombing in July, writes Jean Aziz. Lebanon
