Amid Lebanon’s ongoing protests, army finds itself caught in the middle The Lebanese Armed Forces have clashed in several areas in Lebanon with protesters who have been blocking roads and highways. Lebanon
Sarraj visit to Sochi exposes rival Russian factions on Libya policy The visit of Libyan Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj to Sochi opens some engagement opportunities between Moscow and Tripoli but also exposes challenges. Libya
Palestinians seek economic disengagement through West Bank port Palestinian traders demand the establishment of a land port in Palestinian territories without Israeli conditions. Palestine
How Lebanon is setting the standard for a new social contract in the Middle East Sectarianism gives way to economics and governance. Lebanon
Sanctions experts say new US Treasury measure could inhibit humanitarian trade with Iran The US Treasury's new Iran "humanitarian" mechanism is seen by experts as a tool to inform new sanctions on the country. United States
Syrian Kurdish commander sparks fresh US-Turkish row Mazlum Kobane, the chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces, may visit Washington — a move that would likely prompt Turkish calls for his extradition. Syria
US military aid to Lebanon continues amid protests The Pentagon is not cutting off military aid to Lebanon amid countrywide protests. Lebanon
Can Iraqi PM's promises calm popular anger? Despite Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's attempts to calm protesters in Iraq, thousands of people continue to gather in Baghdad and other southern cities to protest the Iraqi government. Originals
Why Picasso continues to inspire the Levant Picasso-Mediterranee, a two-year project highlighting the rich ties of the 20th century’s prodigal painter to the Mediterranean, concludes with exhibitions in the Levantine port cities of Izmir and Beirut. Lebanon
What IDF chiefs won’t say out loud Some of Israel’s previous military chiefs took a courageous stand and publicly stated that there was no military solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but current Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi is on the same wavelength as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Palestine
Palestinians wary of calm on Gaza-Israel border There have been no exchange of fire between Hamas and Israel in weeks, which could mean both parties are preoccupied with their internal crises and waiting for regional developments to unfold. Palestine
Israel’s army chief stands alone against security threats The combination of the American withdrawal from Syria and the political stalemate in Israel leaves the entire burden of Israel’s security on the shoulders of IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi. Israel
Pentagon weighs options to deter Russians in Syria After Russian forces in Syria appeared to be heading toward oil fields, the Pentagon proposed deploying tanks as a measure to guard the installations, a US official told Al-Monitor. Iraq
Congress doubles down on bipartisan Turkey sanctions after Trump’s victory lap Trump may have lifted sanctions on Turkey, but Democrats and Republicans alike still want to slap Ankara with their own stringent sanctions. Syria
Zarif urges united nonaligned front against US Four years after signing of the JCPOA, Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said relying on the United States is a "delusion." United States
Crackdown on Kurdish mayors raises pressure on Turkish opposition Seven HDP mayors were jailed and replaced by state-appointed trustees during Turkey’s Syrian incursion, further stifling the nation’s Kurdish-majority party. Turkey
