Israel says it destroyed Hezbollah tunnels in Ali al-Taher ridge: What to know The ridge has become a flashpoint in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in Lebanon due to its extensive tunnel network Israel says is utilized by the Iran-backed group. Israel
Israeli escalation in south Lebanon leaves 27 dead in 3 days as talks stall The Israeli military has escalated airstrikes across south Lebanon after claiming control of a strategic ridge where Hezbollah has established an underground command center and tunnel network. Lebanon
Lebanon says at least 12 killed in Israeli strikes as tensions rise in south The escalation in southern Lebanon casts a shadow over upcoming Israel-Lebanon talks in Rome. Lebanon
Analysis Playing for time: Despite US pressure, Israel stalls Lebanon talks until after election Ahead of the eighth round of talks in Rome, the Israeli military reported clearing Hezbollah's underground stronghold at Ali al-Taher after besieging the ridge for months. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis UAE gauges new Lebanon deals amid Levant economic stabilization push By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Russia eyes refugee return as centerpiece of next policy move in Syria Moscow claims it's making progress in talks with Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey over the return of Syrian refugees; yet getting international organizations and the United States to cooperate on the refugee return and the reconstruction of Syria proves more challenging. Jordan
Culture alert: Music mixed with history in August Some of the August festivals in the Middle East take place in spectacular settings, from Cairo to Byblos to Troy. Egypt
Lebanon looks for economic lift from cannabis Lebanon’s parliament is set to discuss a bill to legalize the production of industrial hemp as part of efforts to boost the country’s ailing economy. Lebanon
Lebanese divided over efforts to repatriate Syrian refugees In the absence of a unified government plan ensuring the displaced Syrians’ return to their country, Hezbollah moved to facilitate the return, which some parties welcomed while others prefer the Lebanese state take charge of this dossier. Lebanon
Israel prepares for Assad’s return to the border Israeli security experts claim that the return of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to the Golan Heights is not necessarily bad news for Israel. Israel
Congress rebukes Lebanon over Syrian refugee transfers Congress is asking the State Department to weigh in on Lebanon’s dispute with the UN refugee agency as it seeks to repatriate thousands of Syrian refugees. Lebanon
Culture Alert: July marked by festivals in the Middle East In Istanbul, Baalbeck, Jerusalem and Ras El Bar, the Middle East becomes a vibrant scene of outdoor festivals in July. Palestine
Lebanon-UNHCR feuding over Syrian refugees Hundreds of Syrians displaced in the Lebanese border town of Arsal have returned to their country voluntarily, causing tensions between the Lebanese Foreign Ministry and the UNHCR. Lebanon
Development of public beaches sparks outrage in Lebanon The opening of the Lancaster Eden Bay Hotel on the Beirut coast was inaugurated despite allegations that it did not have an occupancy permit from the municipality. Lebanon
Decks and the City: Artist proposes gardens over car parks in Beirut This year's Beirut Design Week focuses on urban design, and the projects and showcases include street revival and creative new green spaces. Lebanon
Iran coy on support for Turkish assault on PKK in Iraq Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s offensive appears linked to Turkish elections and Iraqi politics; Is Turkey staying or going in northern Syria? Putin and Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri discuss Syrian refugees. Iraq
Lebanon’s Hariri talks soccer, Syria in Moscow Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri took advantage of the World Cup to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and discuss bilateral cooperation and the situation in Syria. Lebanon
