US brokers deal for limited Israeli withdrawal in south Lebanon The deal establishes a US-facilitated military coordination group to oversee the creation of two initial pilot zones in southern Lebanon. Lebanon
Explainer Gulf states push incentives for investors, expats after war dents image Several Gulf states are working to recover their images as global havens of stability in the wake of the Iran war. United Arab Emirates
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran insists on right to control shipping in Strait of Hormuz Supreme Court backs Trump move to end Syrians’ deportation protections; Lebanon cancels national high school exams; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
As US talks stall, Hezbollah chief defiant, says Israel to leave Lebanon ’humiliated' The speech comes as the Lebanese-Israeli talks appeared to reach a deadlock this week amid Israel’s refusal to withdraw from Lebanese territory as long as Hezbollah remains armed. Lebanon
Newsletter: Daily Briefing US-Iran technical talks set to resume next week By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Analysis Pilot zones at center of Israel-Lebanon talks as Trump pressures Netanyahu By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Russian DFM talks Syrian issue with Hezbollah Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov met with a wide range of Lebanese leaders during a visit to Beirut and told everyone what they wanted to hear. Lebanon
Russia steps up its Middle East policy Russia has recently increased its diplomatic efforts in the Middle East on a variety of fronts, ranging from Arab-Israeli peace to trade with Lebanon and military cooperation with Sudan. Iraq
Israel-Hezbollah deterrence game continues The reported airstrike against a convoy on its way from Lebanon to Syria has not yet sparked a strong reaction by Hezbollah against Israel, probably because its patron Iran is still negotiating a nuclear deal. Israel
Israeli strikes on Syria hit Iranian weapons destined for Hezbollah Syrian military sources tell Al-Monitor that Israeli warplanes struck storage depots with Iranian weapons that were to be sent to Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel
Israeli fly-over coincides with attack on Lebanese army A day after the Lebanese army was ambushed in Baalbek on Dec. 2, Israeli aircraft violated Lebanese airspace in the same area, raising questions about a possible cooperation between Israel and Syrians on the border with Lebanon. Israel
Lebanon's bittersweet expertise in prosthetics helps amputees As a result of past conflicts in Lebanon, organizations and government ministries have created a prosthetics sector that continues to advance and using its knowledge to assist not only Lebanese, but also Syrian refugee victims of war and those with congenital disabilities. Lebanon
Lebanese army makes strides in Tripoli With its success in Tripoli, the Lebanese army is proving itself as the only military institution in the state able to confront terrorism. Lebanon
Long-awaited Bekaa Valley security plan implemented The Lebanese army has implemented a security plan in the predominantly Shiite areas in the northern Bekaa Valley, amid increasing kidnappings, thefts and killings. Lebanon
Hezbollah arrives in Iraq As the battle against the Islamic State evolves, experienced members of Hezbollah arrive in Iraq to provide guidance and training. Iraq
Lebanese officials file lawsuit against the state Six Lebanese nationals, including former and current deputies, filed a lawsuit against the state, accusing successive governments of illegally collecting and spending funds in the absence of a clear, lawful budget. Lebanon
Lebanon looks to reform business practices Lebanon was once a hub for business in the Middle East, but in recent years it has struggled to regain its former glory. Lebanon
Recent events a good sign for Lebanon Developments among parties in Lebanon as well as between Iran and the P5+1 might ultimately lead to solutions to Lebanon's current political stalemate. Saudi Arabia
