Rise of Islamic Front a disaster for Syria

The ascendance of the Islamic Front threatens a political transition in Syria; Lebanon paralyzed by Syria conflict; Farea al-Muslimi named FP Leading Global Thinker.

Saudi Arabia

US, Turkey to rethink Syria policies

For starters, the United States and Turkey need to change their approaches to the Syrian Kurdish Democratic Union Party.

Saudi Arabia

Syria war brings al-Qaeda threat to Iraqi Kurdistan

The Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq seeks to prevent the spillover of the war inside its borders.

Iraq

Hezbollah contemplates next move

Israel’s president extends a hand to Iran, putting the ball in Hezbollah and Tehran's court.

Saudi Arabia

Michel Aoun: Lebanon 'paralyzed' by Syria war

In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Gen. Michel Aoun, leader of Lebanon’s Free Patriotic Movement, blames Saudi Arabia for the deadlock in Lebanese politics.

Saudi Arabia

Nasrallah, Assad ties stronger than ever

Hassan Nasrallah's defense of Hezbollah’s role in the Syrian conflict sheds light on the nature of his relationship with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

Lebanon

Suicide bombings on the rise among Shiites

While suicide attacks were once the preserve of Sunni extremist groups, there have been reports of recent attacks in Syria carried out by Shiite militants fighting alongside the Assad regime.

Iraq

Lebanon’s Tripoli microcosm for Syria conflict

While Lebanon has struggled to remain neutral and uninvolved in Syria’s conflict, Tripoli has come to mirror the volatile dynamics of its larger neighbor.

Lebanon

Samy Gemayel: Hezbollah intervention helped bring Syria war to Lebanon

In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Samy Gemayel, member of parliament and a senior leader of Lebanon’s Kataeb Party, said, “When you decide to go fight a war in another country, you have to expect that these people will go fight you in your own country.”

Lebanon

Israel's silent partner?

There may be common interests shared by Jerusalem and Riyadh, but there is no "alliance" on the horizon.

Saudi Arabia

Syrian events continue to develop in Geneva, Ghouta

Though the battles taking place in both places take different forms, the events going on in Ghouta and Geneva will bear significantly on the near future of the conflict.

Iraq

Syrian FSA fades in shadow of Saudi-backed opposition front

This week, the United States and the United Kingdom suspended nonlethal aid to the Syrian opposition, fearing equipment could fall into the wrong hands.

Saudi Arabia