Have bombings united the Lebanese Shiites behind Hezbollah?

Although many suspect the recent bombings in Lebanon are aimed at breaking Shiite support for Hezbollah, they may be having the opposite effect.

Lebanon

Neutrality, reform needed to rescue Lebanon’s economy

Lebanon’s economy is collapsing and the only thing that can save it is a new government that keeps Lebanon neutral in the Syrian war and implements economic and administrative reforms.

Lebanon

Russia's Syria policy gains traction

As Russia maintains a steady course on Syria, Moscow's influence on Damascus may be less than some believe.

Syria

The beginnings of an Israel-Iran reset?

Israel may be reassessing the Iranian threat, as Iran shows its reach in Palestinian politics.

Palestine

Lebanon has historic chance to regain neutrality

The conflict between the Sunnis and Shiites in Lebanon is an opportunity for Christians to revive the Baabda Declaration, which calls for Lebanon’s neutrality, a historic Christian principle.

Lebanon

Relations among Syrian Kurdish parties hit new low

The Kurdistan National Council (KNC) and the Democratic Union Party (PYD) are in dispute over power-sharing arrangements.

Syria

Syrian Kurds courting Turkmens

Security and the future role of Syrian Turkmens depend on alliance with Kurds.

Syria

ISIS leader al-Baghdadi proves formidable enemy

Contrary to his predecessors, Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi has proven to be more pragmatic and devious.

Iraq

Iraqi vendors diversify supplies in response to Syria, Anbar conflicts

Military operations launched in the Anbar province, located along the Syrian border, have disrupted the import of goods from Syria, leading Iraqi vendors to turn to other states to import goods.

Iraq

Geneva II not the only game in town on Syria

The real negotiations, including among Syrian parties and their backers, are taking place away from the media.

Syria

The Syria disconnect in US terrorism policy

The US national intelligence director, James Clapper, foresees a rise in "political uncertainty and violence" in the Middle East in 2014.

Syria

Suicide attack targets Shiite town in Lebanon

On Feb. 1, a suicide attack targeted the Shiite-majority town of Hermel in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, the fifth suicide attack against Shiite areas in less than three months.

Lebanon