'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
Self-immolation spreads in Middle East Self-immolation is becoming tragically more common in the Middle East, including Lebanon, where Syrian refugees are not the only ones setting themselves on fire in acts of desperation and despair. Lebanon
Iranian officials justify soldier deaths in Syria The deputy commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps addresses the number of Iranian soldiers' deaths recently in Syria. Lebanon
Music lessons bring art, hope to refugee camps A Palestinian music association runs schools offering musical skills and life lessons to refugee children in Lebanon and the West Bank. Palestine
After its own citizens drown, Lebanese refocus on refugee crisis The refugee crisis in Lebanon has again made headlines with the drowning deaths of Lebanese fleeing the border region due to the Syrian war and heading for Europe. Lebanon
Why Lebanon's 'You Stink' movement lost momentum The Lebanese popular movement to fight corruption in the political class has faced a number of setbacks. Lebanon
When will Lebanon get their kidnapped soldiers back? Jabhat al-Nusra has ended negotiations on the release of Lebanese soldiers and security personnel it captured in August 2014, and the Islamic State has rejected efforts to discuss the soldiers it captured at that time. Lebanon
Tunisia Nobel Peace Prize resonates across Middle East After the Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet won the Nobel Peace Prize, democracy activists drew solace as regional leaders remained silent. Egypt
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
