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
Congress takes aim at Lebanese politicians with Hezbollah bill The US House of Representatives is expected to vote this month on legislation requiring the president to publicly report on Hezbollah allies’ net worth. Lebanon
Beirut's international film festival turns 20 The celebrated Beirut International Film Festival provides a platform for filmmakers in the region to speak out on subjects that are taboo in their own countries. Lebanon
Culture Alert: October dominated by film festivals in Middle East A number of film festivals, from short films to documentaries, take place in Beirut, Tehran, Haifa and Istanbul throughout October — where many of the regional countries’ nominees for Oscars will be screened. Israel
Palestinians react to opening of first US military base in Israel The Sept. 18 announcement of the establishment of the first permanent US-Israeli military base in the Negev desert, in southern Israel, is evidence of the strategic military cooperation between the Americans and Israelis. Palestine
Arab identity at heart of Beirut Art Fair At the eighth annual Beirut Art Fair, contemporary artists were given free rein to create works that explore sensitive topics such as Arab identity, politics and conflict. Lebanon
Aoun calls for 'Levantine common market,' safe return of Syrian refugees Lebanon's president outlines a regional approach to combating poverty and extremism; Mahmoud Abbas nears moment of truth regarding Dahlan’s role in Fatah-Hamas talks. Palestine
Poor Beirut neighborhood's facelift only skin deep An art project in Beirut’s Ouzai neighborhood is bringing color to the area, but urban planners are not impressed with what they see as a simplistic approach to its complex legal and economic problems. Lebanon
Aoun sees role for Hezbollah until threats to Lebanon cease Speaking to Al-Monitor ahead of his address to the UN General Assembly in New York, Lebanese President Michel Aoun spoke about the refugee crisis facing his country, Hezbollah's role amid the ongoing regional crisis and Beirut's expanding ties with Moscow. Lebanon
Lebanon explores potential roles with Russia As Russia works to put the finishing touches on Syrian civil war negotiations, representatives from many Mideast countries are showing up at Putin's door, including Lebanon, which has much to give and gain in the situation. Saudi Arabia
How Lebanese are countering racist attacks The Anti-Racism Movement is standing up for victims of racism in Lebanon by providing assistance and support and exposing racist behavior in the country. Lebanon
Trump, Netanyahu risk being party of two in opposition to Iran nuclear deal US and Israeli leaders may find themselves, rather than Iran, isolated in questioning a solid international consensus on Iran, as attention turns to Syria. Saudi Arabia
With win over IS, Lebanese army jostles Hezbollah The Lebanese army's recent victory against IS on the Syrian border offered proof of the state forces' growing military capabilities, but Hezbollah still plays an important and complementary role in Lebanese security despite the rivalry between the two encouraged by the United States and Iran. Lebanon
