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
Bomb Shakes Hezbollah Stronghold A first-hand account from the Bir el-Abed neighborhood in Beirut's southern suburbs, the scene of a bombing today, July 9, which injured 53. Lebanon
The Message Behind The Bomb in South Beirut Given that the recent car bomb in Beirut’s southern suburbs occurred in a location that was part of Hezbollah’s security perimeter prior to the 2006 war, some may be trying to send a message that Hezbollah will pay a price for its involvement in Syria. Lebanon
International Community Reacts To Beirut Bombing In the wake of the car bombing in southern Beirut on July 9, international actors expressed their commitment to Lebanon’s security and stability. Lebanon
Morsi's Ouster Leaves Hezbollah Uncertain About Egypt Ties Hezbollah remains unsure of what to make of Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi’s ouster. Egypt
Five Lessons From Egypt'sSecond Revolution The dynamics of change in Egypt and the direction they will take. Egypt
Abu Mazen: I Will Not Utter The Words ‘Armed Resistance’ Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, while visiting Beirut, said he was ready to reconcile with Hamas and that he unequivocally rejected armed resistance against Israel, stressiong “peaceful” and “diplomatic” resistance. Palestine
A New Era for Egypt Though Mohammed Morsi was the legitimate, elected president of Egypt, he quickly lost actual popular legitimacy by isolating large segments of the Egyptian population. Egypt
Assir Crisis Reflects Deeper Lebanese Divide Although the Lebanese army successfully eliminated Salafist Sheikh Ahmad al-Assir, the societal divide that led to his emergence remains. Lebanon
Would Military Rule Work in Lebanon? The recent clashes with Sheikh Ahmad al-Assir and Egypt's example have renewed Lebanese pride for their military, but it seems unlikely that military rule could be successful in Lebanon. Lebanon
What Happened to Fadel Shaker? In a case rarely seen in Lebanese society, Fadel Shaker, one of the country’s most beloved pop stars, chose to embrace extreme piety and soon became wingman to Salafist sheikh Ahmad al-Assir. Lebanon
Lebanon's Sectarian Fall As the Syrian conflict continues to rage, tensions are on the rise between Lebanese Sunnis and Shiites as a result of their affiliations with divergent Syrian groups. Lebanon
Will Sheikh Tamim Rebalance Qatar’s Foreign Policy? In the first article of a two-part series, Qatar’s new emir will likely follow his father's course, but Qatar’s may be forced to adjust its approach to international affairs. Qatar
