Why US, Israel are freezing France out of Lebanon talks With talks between Israel and Lebanon being held in Washington, Paris still insists that it must be involved to balance possible American bias and to protect Beirut’s interests. Israel
In Lebanon, Saudi Arabia pursues quiet diplomacy as Trump pushes Israel normalization Saudi Arabia has been engaged in intense diplomacy in Lebanon in recent days, leading up to the extension of a ceasefire with Israel. Lebanon
Analysis Israel fears Trump angling for Lebanon deal to offset Iran missteps Some Israelis worry the US president might force them to accept an unsatisfactory agreement driven by his inability to secure a tangible achievement in Iran. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Trump says Israel-Lebanon ceasefire extended by three weeks President Trump said the second meeting between the Israeli and Lebanese envoys went "very well." Lebanon
Is Israel being pulled into Syrian war? With growing tension in the Golan Heights and fears of the Syrian civil war spilling over, the IDF is establishing special commando units able to confront IS-affiliated militants. Israel
Lebanon halts work as Palestinians reject wall around refugee camp The Lebanese government’s decision to build a wall at the southern Palestinian refugee camp of Ain al-Hilweh sparks angry reactions from Palestinian factions. Palestine
Can coalition of reformers snag Lebanese parliament seats? An array of civil and Reformist groups are calling for a coalition to challenge the country’s traditional and dominant political parties in the 2017 parliamentary elections. Lebanon
Just how much can Lebanon change under Aoun? Lebanese President Michel Aoun’s plans for economic and political reform will face numerous challenges including endemic corruption and his own limited powers. Lebanon
Will Lebanon's new president give up on old friends? Mohammad Javad Zarif became the first foreign minister to personally congratulate Lebanon’s new president, but what does the Iranian rush really say about the geopolitical game being played out in Beirut? Legacy: Gulf
Why Iranian-Saudi game in Lebanon is far from over Iranian officials were quick to congratulate Michel Aoun on becoming president of Lebanon, while their Saudi rivals, not so pleased with his new position, took a little longer. Saudi Arabia
Russia emerges as a center of gravity for Israel Given that Russia’s influence in the Middle East excluding Syria remains limited, Moscow is looking for other entry points — but can Israel offer such an opportunity? Palestine
What minefields await Lebanon's new president? Michel Aoun was sworn in just a week ago, and he already faces a full agenda of crucial issues as Lebanon's president. Saudi Arabia
Can Lebanon’s Old Guard forge new social contract? Lebanese citizens hope for greater accountability, independence and distance from foreign conflicts after Michel Aoun engineers breakthrough by forming a new government. Lebanon
Saudi Arabia losing ground to Iran Saudi influence in the region has been on the decline for a number of reasons, and the kingdom has now suffered another setback in Lebanon with the election of President Michel Aoun, an ally of Hezbollah. Saudi Arabia
How these Syrian doctors are helping refugees in Lebanon Amid limited resources, Syrian doctors who fled their country resume their work in Lebanon to provide the refugee population with the necessary medical treatment. Lebanon
Tensions flare between Hezbollah, Gulf states Analysts say Hezbollah has made a sharp pivot toward confrontation with Gulf states, in part as a result of its alliance with Iran. Legacy: Gulf
