US seeks to train Lebanon army units to disarm Hezbollah: What to know Funding for such a program remains unclear, though the Pentagon has requested $36 million for fiscal year 2027 to support Lebanon’s army. Lebanon
Analysis Despite Trump pressure to limit Israel's Lebanon attacks, Aoun-Netanyahu meeting still unlikely As President Donald Trump pressures Israel to limit its strikes in Lebanon, Hezbollah is taking advantage of the situation. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
'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
Analysis Israel fears Trump angling for Lebanon deal to offset Iran missteps By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Laqis assassination reveals crack in Hezbollah’s ‘security fortress’ The Dec. 4 assassination of a leading Hezbollah figure in Beirut occurred when the organization was in a state of heightened vigilance. Israel
Assassinated Hezbollah leader key to technology, drone operations A source said Hassan al-Laqis was one of Imad Mughniyeh’s “smart students.” Israel
Somalia's democracy a pleasant surprise The Arab League and the African Union should support the nascent democratic transition in Somalia. Lebanon
Iran nuclear deal may be start of new era in Persian Gulf The Iran nuclear deal could be a breakthrough on regional ties. Legacy: Gulf
Beirut blast a lesson in terrorism The perpetrators of the Iranian Embassy bombing in Beirut carefully crafted the attack to cause maximum physical and psychological damage. Lebanon
Lebanese independence from 1943 pact to Baabda Declaration In Lebanon’s 70th year as an independent republic, the series of treaties and agreements to overcome internal disputes can all contribute to a more comprehensive solution to the question of national unity. Lebanon
Obama going big in the Middle East The "first step agreement" with Iran is a giant step toward recasting the strategic landscape in the Middle East for the better, including for US allies Israel and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
Netanyahu's nuclear blind spot Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's reaction to the Iran nuclear deal shows a blind spot in his thinking — and a bit of hypocrisy. Israel
Where is 'Democracy Brigade' to fight sectarian terrorists? The proliferation of sectarian violence overwhelms the region, which needs a democratic backlash. Saudi Arabia
The Syrian shadow on Lebanon-Saudi ties Lebanese President Michel Suleiman reviews Lebanon-Saudi ties in an official visit to Riyadh. Saudi Arabia
Crisis in Lebanon requires urgent action The Nov. 19 bombing of the Iranian Embassy in Beirut underscores Lebanon's need for a cabinet. Lebanon
Lebanon in crisis from spillover of Syria conflict Difficulty accommodating the exorbitant numbers of Syrian refugees pouring into the country, as well as growing sectarian tensions between Sunni and Shiite Muslims, highlight Lebanon’s dire situation. Lebanon
