'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
Tehran accuses Israel of holding four Iranians who disappeared 34 years ago Iran's defense minister said that Israel is holding prisoner the four Iranians who were kidnapped in Lebanon in 1982. Israel
US should accept Russian offer to coordinate strikes on Jabhat al-Nusra US-Russian joint action would be a step forward to defeat al-Qaeda affiliate; US rejects Russian bid to designate Ahrar al-Sham and Jaish al-Islam as terrorist groups; Nasrallah vows deeper commitment to Syria following death of top commander. Lebanon
How drama therapy is helping Lebanese prisoners and society A Lebanese psychologist has been working with inmates in Roumieh Prison to help them, through drama therapy, to forgive themselves, express themselves and develop empathy. Lebanon
Can Lebanon make progress on oil, gas exploration efforts? A litany of more pressing crises has led to a delay in efforts to advance work on Lebanon's nascent oil and gas sector. Egypt
What's next for Hezbollah in Syria? Hezbollah will have a difficult time finding a replacement for slain commander Mustafa Badreddine. Lebanon
Baby steps: Lebanon's municipal elections inspire hope Lebanon's parliament members are working on a new law they think will result in legislative elections and a new president. Lebanon
Will US terrorism finance law do more harm than good in Lebanon? The recently passed US law to fight terrorism financing targets Hezbollah, but it could put all of Lebanon in the line of fire. Lebanon
French envoys bear surprising message from Mideast Christians A French delegation to Lebanon, Iraq and Syria found that many Christians in the Middle East believe Western policies place economic interests ahead of their well-being. Iraq
Why ex-minister’s return to prison may ease Lebanon's political deadlock A court's decision to put Michel Samaha back behind bars might help ease Sunni-Shiite stress, but solving sectarian differences will require everyone's cooperation. Saudi Arabia
Regional conflicts spill into Lebanon's Palestinian refugee camps In light of an inability to control mounting tensions at Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, the situation warns of an impending explosion. Palestine
Khamenei warns of 'soft war' between Iran, US After the Organization of Islamic Cooperation condemned Hezbollah and Iran, Iran's supreme leader has indirectly criticized Saudi Arabia and called the condemnation meaningless. Saudi Arabia
Former Lebanese PM brings two important messages to Moscow Despite differing views between former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri and Russia on the makeup of the Lebanese government, Hariri's recent visit to Moscow shows the bond between the two countries. Lebanon
