Lebanon's complacent politicians choose more taxes over reforms

As the Lebanese government passed a new budget that includes tax hikes and spending increases, economic experts are calling on politicians to instead focus on fighting corruption and money waste in state institutions.

Lebanon

What role should EU have in resolving Syria crisis?

In an interview with Al-Monitor, Marisa Matias, the chair of the delegation of the European Parliament for relations with the Mashreq countries, speaks about the EU’s role in the Syrian conflict, while tackling the refugee crisis and ways the EU is helping host countries, like Jordan and Lebanon, deal with the massive influx of displaced Syrians.

Egypt

Lebanese slopes offer more than just snow

Ski resorts in Lebanon are gearing up for non-snow activities as ski season comes to a close after attracting larger-than-usual numbers of visitors.

Lebanon

Once again, disputes delay Lebanese elections

Unless Lebanese politicians overcome their differences — or at least ignore them long enough to hold elections — the country could face another legislative vacuum.

Lebanon

Is Assad shifting strategy on Israel?

Contrary to Israel’s typical low profile on operations in Syrian skies, Israel’s Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman warned that if Damascus fires any more missiles against IDF jets, Israel will destroy its air defense system.

Israel

Israel weighs response to Hezbollah rocket threat

For now, deterrence holds on Israel’s northern border; Iran ready to "fight to the last man" in Syria; Why does Erdogan go easy on Putin over Syrian Kurds?

Israel

In Syria, Iran sees necessary war

New accounts detailing Iran’s decision to intervene in the Syrian war shed light on an important and previously unknown chapter of the conflict.

Lebanon

Following Abbas visit, cautious calm prevails in Lebanon's Ain al-Hilweh camp

Armed clashes flared up in Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp as Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas visited Lebanon, making the discussion of the security issue a top priority.

Palestine

Lebanese president provokes outcry with Hezbollah comment

President Michel Aoun stated in an interview that Lebanon needs Hezbollah’s arms to defend the country from potential Israeli aggression, stirring harsh criticism from his political opponents.

Israel

Will Hezbollah join Palestinian factions in confrontation with Israel?

Amid calls to unify fronts between Palestinian resistance factions in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, experts envision many difficulties in this possibility of coordination.

Palestine

Benghazi blowback hamstrings US role in post-IS Iraq

Congress is weighing America's role after Mosul amid looming budget cuts and paralyzing partisanship.

Iraq

Graphic novel illustrates life of Syrian refugees in Lebanon

A French NGO launched a project, with the help of five artists from Syria, Lebanon and France, to publish a graphic novel on the financial, emotional and social struggle of Syrian refugees in Lebanon.

Lebanon