Syria foils Hezbollah-linked plot to attack Homs refinery: What to know Syrian authorities have intensified a crackdown against Hezbollah’s alleged plans to launch attacks inside Syrian territory as well as smuggling attempts. Syria
UAE’s Al Habtoor Group to sell all assets in Lebanon: What to know The company suspended operations in Lebanon back in January, citing massive losses exceeding $1.7 billion due to the country's financial crisis, capital controls and security concerns. Lebanon
Lebanon uncovers new tunnel amid tensions with Hezbollah: What to know A tunnel was discovered near Beirut as tensions between Lebanese authorities and Hezbollah have been running high over the seizure of weapons shipments destined for the Iran-backed group. Lebanon
Analysis 'The problem and the solution': Netanyahu-Sharaa call exposes Israel's Syria dilemma The Israeli leader revealed that he spoke with the Syrian president last year, but stalled talks and Israel's fortification of a security zone on Syrian land underscore his mistrust of Sharaa. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Satterfield’s shuttle diplomacy may offer diplomatic opening for Syria Is there more to the talks about Block 9? Success of UN Security Council cease-fire depends on definition of "terrorist." Israel
US hits deadlock in Lebanon-Israel border mediation Renewed tension over the demarcation of the maritime border between Israel and Lebanon has the United States engaged in shuttle diplomacy between the countries. Israel
Has Gaza joined the axis of resistance? Palestinian factions, with the exception of Fatah, are threatening to open a Gaza front against Israel if it goes to war in Syria, Lebanon or Iran. Palestine
Trump seeks to slash funding for UN missions in Mideast The State Department budget is seeking across-the-board cuts to international peacekeeping missions worldwide. Lebanon
Global spy malware traced back to Lebanese security A recent report revealed that a malware campaign was mainly being operated by Lebanon's General Directorate of General Security, raising questions about the privacy of the country's citizens. Lebanon
Despite defeat of IS, Syria war risks major power conflict The United States and Russia should abandon "proxy wars" and back a new UN Security Council resolution for a regional peace conference. Israel
Tillerson travels to Middle East to talk post-IS stability Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will travel to Egypt, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey next week. But veteran diplomats warn that US goals for Syria need to be scaled back. Egypt
Israel’s power show on northern border aimed at Hezbollah The visit by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the northern border and the extensive paratrooper drill last week sends a clear message to Lebanon and Hezbollah: Israel is prepared for an attack. Israel
Has Israel opened the Lebanese front in its battle with Hamas? An assassination attempt in Sidon against a Hamas military leader appears to have been a pre-emptive Israeli strike warning his movement against attacking it from Lebanon. Palestine
Will Europe be there when Israel needs it? If the Israeli government expects the international community to heed the “serious threat” posed by Iranian activity in the region, it must be prepared to discuss the serious threat posed by Israeli activity in the Palestinian territories it occupies. Palestine
Lebanon gears up for a 'realignment' election Is the excessive and precarious pandering to voters ahead of Lebanon's first parliamentary elections since 2009 a prelude to a post-election realignment of the political system? Lebanon
Artists use calligraphy to bring together hostile neighbors in Lebanon's Tripoli Lebanese graffiti artist duo Ashekman have created a 1-mile-long message of peace on Tripoli's rooftops to unite two estranged neighborhoods in the city. Lebanon
