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
Iran Embassy bombing: Repeat of Iraqi model in Lebanon? The suicide bombing targeting the Iranian Embassy in Beirut on Nov. 19 shows that al-Qaeda has established both tactical and ideological cells in Lebanon. Lebanon
Lebanon enters 'third stage' of suicide bombings Tuesday’s suicide attack on the Iranian Embassy in Beirut represents a new stage of violence in Lebanon, with Lebanese citizens targeting their compatriots at home. Israel
Israel, Egypt, Gulf fear US betrayal Israel has become part of an unexpected alliance with the Gulf countries, Egypt and Jordan, all disappointed by the US administration's lack of Middle East understanding. Egypt
Saving the Iran deal – and the Syrian state Ratcheting up sanctions on Iran risks a chance to end the war in Syria. Israel
'Culture of fear' for region's minorities Conferences recently dedicated to the plight of Middle East Christians need to be understood in broader context. Egypt
Lebanese Shiite leader launches interfaith dialogue The prominent Lebanese Shiite scholar Ali Fadlallah has launched a new initiative aimed at promoting interfaith dialogue and cooling sectarian tensions in the region. Lebanon
Lebanese Shiites fear Salafist terrorism during Ashoura This year, the Salafist practice of targeting Shiite Ashoura processions in Iraq may spread to Lebanon. Lebanon
Levant Christians consider threats to their communities During a gathering of Christian representatives from various Near East countries in Beirut, participants were divided when it came to determining their main enemy and strategies for the future. Yemen
Turkey-Iran Talks Can Begin To Defuse Syrian Tragedy Discussions between the foreign ministers of Turkey and Iran reflect a serious departure from the polarization; especially on Syria & between the two regional powers. Lebanon
Eva's Story Highlights Plight Of Women in Lebanon The story of a 13-year-old Lebanese girl who was kidnapped and forced into marriage highlights the overall plight of Lebanese women today. Lebanon
Lebanon: Between Tripoli and Balochistan Northern Lebanon is paying the price for the rise of radicalism in the region. Lebanon
Release of Palestinian Prisoners Not a License for Creeping Annexation Did US Secretary of State John Kerry know that Israel would approve new settlements after releasing Palestinian prisoners? Palestine
