In Israel, 'Slip of the Tongue' On Syria Puts Pressure on US

Though a senior Israeli intelligence officer's declaration that Syria has used chemical weapons wasn't intended to embarass US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, the bigger problem is how the US will deal with its own red lines, writes Ben Caspit.

Israel

Hezbollah Prepares for Attacks by Jabhat al-Nusra in Lebanon

As Jabhat al-Nusra’s presence grows in Lebanon’s Sunni strongholds, Hezbollah braces itself for potential combat, writes an Al-Monitor correspondent in Beirut.

Lebanon

US Considers Next Steps in Syria

The Obama administration, which acknowledges Syria probably used chemical weapons, is likely to use the information to rally Russian support at the Security Council.

Syria

Russia, The US and Syria After the Boston Bombing

Vladimir Putin can remind Barack Obama that in Syria, as in Chechnya, misreading the essential nature of an insurgency has its price, writes Fyodor Lukyanov.

Syria

Syria’s Christians ThreatenedBy Ideology, Geography

Attacks against Syria’s Christians are not only motivated by extremist Islamic ideology, but also because of the strategic area in which they live, writes Jean Aziz.

Lebanon

Battle for Qusair Key Front in Syria War

The aim of the battles raging on the Syria-Lebanon border near Qusayr is directly tied to the war in Syria, writes Jean Aziz.

Lebanon

US Not Considering Arms To Syrian Rebels

The Obama administration resists congressional pressure for military aid to the Syrian rebels; Al-Monitor writers take on the case of Fazil Say and the resignation of Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad.

Palestine

What Is the Extent of Hezbollah's Involvement in Syria?

While Hezbollah claims that it has sent militants to Syria to protect Lebanese citizens living in border towns, there are conflicting reports regarding the size and purpose of the party’s involvement, writes Elie Hajj.

Lebanon

Encroaching Syrian Conflict Pits Hezbollah Against Jabhat al-Nusra

Border villages of Hezbollah-backed Shiites sympathetic to Assad are clashing with the Sunni Jabhat al-Nusra, reports an Al-Monitor correspondent in Beirut.

Lebanon

EU Official: ‘We Don’t See the End’ Of Syria Crisis

In an interview with Al-Monitor, European Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response Dr. Kristalina Georgieva says Syria "is the crisis that makes me lose my sleep."

Syria

Is Syria Moving Toward Partition?

There have been indications in recent weeks that Syria is moving toward partition, writes Jean Aziz.

Lebanon

Turkey’s Kurdish Initiative May Affect Syria's Kurds

Cengiz Candar writes on the relationship between Turkey's peace initiative and its policies in Syria.

Syria