France to host Lebanon army conference as Hezbollah pushes back on disarmament The upcoming conference comes as the Lebanese army prepares to submit a plan for the second stage of its disarmament process, despite Hezbollah’s adamant refusal to give up its weapons. Lebanon
From Iraq to Yemen, how Iran proxies are responding to protests Iraqi militias and the Houthis are growing more vocal in their defense of Iran amid the protests sweeping the country, while Hezbollah and Palestinian groups are remaining relatively quiet. Iran
Lebanon revives offshore gas push with new approval for Total-led consortium Beirut has approved a new exploration permit allowing international energy companies to begin work on an offshore block bordering Israel’s maritime border. Lebanon
Lebanon says phase 1 of Hezbollah disarmament complete as Iran FM visits Beirut The announcement by the Lebanese army came as Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Beirut for a two-day visit amid ongoing regional tensions. Lebanon
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Lebanon’s president slams Israeli strikes By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Analysis Hezbollah still dominant among Lebanon's Shiite, but ground is shifting By Karim Safieddine , Izzat Zahreddine
Lebanon looks for economic lift from cannabis Lebanon’s parliament is set to discuss a bill to legalize the production of industrial hemp as part of efforts to boost the country’s ailing economy. Lebanon
Lebanese divided over efforts to repatriate Syrian refugees In the absence of a unified government plan ensuring the displaced Syrians’ return to their country, Hezbollah moved to facilitate the return, which some parties welcomed while others prefer the Lebanese state take charge of this dossier. Lebanon
Israel prepares for Assad’s return to the border Israeli security experts claim that the return of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to the Golan Heights is not necessarily bad news for Israel. Israel
Congress rebukes Lebanon over Syrian refugee transfers Congress is asking the State Department to weigh in on Lebanon’s dispute with the UN refugee agency as it seeks to repatriate thousands of Syrian refugees. Lebanon
Culture Alert: July marked by festivals in the Middle East In Istanbul, Baalbeck, Jerusalem and Ras El Bar, the Middle East becomes a vibrant scene of outdoor festivals in July. Palestine
Lebanon-UNHCR feuding over Syrian refugees Hundreds of Syrians displaced in the Lebanese border town of Arsal have returned to their country voluntarily, causing tensions between the Lebanese Foreign Ministry and the UNHCR. Lebanon
Development of public beaches sparks outrage in Lebanon The opening of the Lancaster Eden Bay Hotel on the Beirut coast was inaugurated despite allegations that it did not have an occupancy permit from the municipality. Lebanon
Decks and the City: Artist proposes gardens over car parks in Beirut This year's Beirut Design Week focuses on urban design, and the projects and showcases include street revival and creative new green spaces. Lebanon
Iran coy on support for Turkish assault on PKK in Iraq Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s offensive appears linked to Turkish elections and Iraqi politics; Is Turkey staying or going in northern Syria? Putin and Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri discuss Syrian refugees. Iraq
Lebanon’s Hariri talks soccer, Syria in Moscow Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri took advantage of the World Cup to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and discuss bilateral cooperation and the situation in Syria. Lebanon
What’s next for Syrian refugees in Lebanon? As pressure is increasing on Lebanon’s economy, the Lebanese authorities are working to ensure the safe return of Syrian refugees, despite the hesitation of the international community and the United States. Lebanon
Iran undeterred by possible Russia-Israel deal on Syria Iranian analysts believe any possible deal for Iran to pull back from Syria is designed to prevent the end of the country’s civil war. Palestine
