From Egypt to Lebanon: What’s at stake for regional states on Trump’s visa ban list? The State Department claimed that citizens from the affected countries are more likely to use social welfare services at a high rate. Algeria
France to host Lebanon army conference as Hezbollah pushes back on disarmament The upcoming conference comes as the Lebanese army prepares to submit a plan for the second stage of its disarmament process, despite Hezbollah’s adamant refusal to give up its weapons. Lebanon
From Iraq to Yemen, how Iran proxies are responding to protests Iraqi militias and the Houthis are growing more vocal in their defense of Iran amid the protests sweeping the country, while Hezbollah and Palestinian groups are remaining relatively quiet. Iran
Lebanon revives offshore gas push with new approval for Total-led consortium Beirut has approved a new exploration permit allowing international energy companies to begin work on an offshore block bordering Israel’s maritime border. Lebanon
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Lebanon’s president slams Israeli strikes By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Goals of Russia’s recent military action go beyond Syria The Russian entry into the war in Syria may herald a new era of cooperation with countries such as Iran, as Moscow seeks to strengthen its international role. Lebanon
Saudi prince alleges capture of Iranian military, Hezbollah in Yemen A grandson of the late Saudi King Faisal and former senior military officer says the time has come for Saudi Arabians “to take care of ourselves” and “lead” the Middle East against regional threats. Saudi Arabia
Palestinians look to Turkey for substance, not show Although Turkey got its share of praise as the Palestinian flag was raised at the UN, Palestinians are still waiting for practical moves affecting their lives. Palestine
Congress to probe war in Yemen A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of Oct. 5. Saudi Arabia
Lebanon reaps weapons windfall from Congress The tiny state has gone from pariah to partner thanks to the Islamic State. Saudi Arabia
Lebanese foreign minister: We cannot be the only ones receiving refugees In an interview with Al-Monitor, Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Gebran Bassil talks about the Syrian refugee crisis and the effects of the presidential vacancy on his country. Lebanon
What Israel should do about Iran Israel, if it fully takes into account the Mideast's yawning Sunni-Shiite divide, could benefit from reconsidering its point of view on Iran. Palestine
How to transfer money without financing terror During the Union of Arab Banks conference, officials discussed ways to monitor money transfers, to limit money laundering operations and the financing of terrorism. Egypt
Are reforms in Arab banking sector key to fighting terrorism? The latest Union of Arab Banks conference discussed ways to integrate all citizens in the banking sector’s database, to be able to fight money laundering and terrorism. Egypt
Israel fears return of Persian Empire According to a senior IDF source, Israel's major concern should be the Iran-Shiite-Hezbollah axis and Iran gaining regional influence and power after the nuclear agreement. Israel
Standstill persists in Lebanon Lebanon has been without a president for over a year now, and the current international pressure to hold elections is not going over well with the country's term-extending parliament. Lebanon
Opposition-regime swap deal in Syria frozen until further notice A Lebanese official told Al-Monitor that the swap deal discussed between the Syrian army and Hezbollah and the opposition fighters concerning Zabadani and two Shiite villages in Idlib province has been postponed until the outcome of King Salman’s visit to the United States unfolds. Lebanon
