'Treason is war for external interests': Lebanon’s Aoun hits back at Hezbollah Lebanese President Joseph Aoun rejects Hezbollah’s criticism of talks with Israel, insisting negotiations are aimed at ending hostilities and saying “treason” is taking the country to war for external interests. Lebanon
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
Online gallery gives Beirut's diverse art scene exposure to world As Syrian artists fleeing the civil war have found an arts haven in Beirut, some of them are gaining exposure to the wider world through the Artscoops website. Lebanon
Minor blast in Beirut bank will have major repercussions The bombing of the BLOM Bank in Beirut could have repercussions for Lebanon’s banking, financial, economic, political and security stability. Lebanon
How one Palestinian cafe in Lebanon is breaking stereotypes A Palestinian refugee from the Rashidiya camp in southern Lebanon has invested all his money to open a cafe in another Palestinian refugee camp in Beirut, offering space to young refugees to blow off steam. Palestine
Is Lebanon abandoning sectarian politics? The results of municipal elections in Lebanon and the persistence of protesters against government corruption in Iraq may point to a shift in the two countries' traditional sectarian-based politics. Iraq
What happened to kidnapped Lebanese soldiers in Arsal? A Lebanese official told Al-Monitor that the number of Islamic militants in Arsal is steadily declining, and there is talk of the remainder leaving after negotiations. Lebanon
Is it Eid or not? Muslims take step toward resolving calendar dispute Religious representatives from Islamic countries agree to embrace a common calendar to overcome a long-standing conflict on the start of Ramadan, but their past record inspires little optimism for a genuine compromise. Saudi Arabia
Syrian refugees act out their stories in 'The Caravan' 'The Caravan,' a play based on Syrian refugees' testimonies, will begin touring Lebanon in June. Lebanon
Should Lebanon found national oil company? Valerie Marcel, an associate fellow at Chatham House who heads the New Petroleum Producers Discussion Group, speaks to Al-Monitor about issues concerning good governance in the oil sector in Lebanon. Lebanon
Lebanese web shows get Netflix treatment Despite limited financial resources, the web series genre is growing in popularity in Lebanon, especially among youths. Lebanon
French oil exec speaks out on prospects of drilling in Lebanon Elias Kassis, vice president of the Middle East and North Africa division of French oil and gas company Total, says 'there are many factors' companies must consider when deciding whether or not to drill exploratory wells. Lebanon
What's in store for Lebanon's nascent oil, gas sector? There is a new twist in the debate about Lebanon's best strategy for developing its offshore oil and gas resources. Lebanon
Will Russia adopt 'first to strike' policy in Syria? Bombings in Tartus and Jableh have led Russia to reassess the risks it faces in Syria. Lebanon
