Articles
CommentWhy Aoun is treading cautiously on the issue of disarming Hezbollah
Such an outcome is tied to the ongoing US-Iran talks, but domestic politics is also a factor
US demands to disarm Hezbollah have made Lebanon uneasy but it must act now
If Aoun's government doesn't act, Israel could resume the conflict, with no opposition from the US
CommentWhy any plans on Israel’s part to normalise ties with Lebanon would be a no go
Most Lebanese want an end to hostilities with Israel, but do not necessarily embrace normalisation
Hezbollah stands to lose from Lebanon’s reconstruction nightmare
As Syria and Gaza also seek funds, there is unlikely to be enough to rebuild the country
CommentHezbollah’s strategy now lies in ruins
The funeral of the former Hezbollah leader was seen as an occasion to unify ranks, but without clarity from Iran on its future the party remains directionless
CommentFew in post-war Lebanon had an impact like Rafic Hariri’s
The reconstruction process he drove was thorny, but it would have overwhelmed most other prime ministers
CommentTo reform Lebanon’s political system, its new leaders need to re-examine the Taif Accord
The problem lies not in the post-civil war agreement itself, but the what followed
CommentAoun may be a lever for foreign powers in Lebanon, but right now that’s no bad thing
Like Lebanese, regional and global powers are tired of seeing Lebanon bled dry from within
What does a possible Pax Americana mean for Lebanon in 2025?
A country that is often torn apart by regional rivalries is bound to be affected by a fundamental realignment in the Middle East
CommentWill Joseph Aoun be Lebanon's next president?
Walid Joumblatt's support for the army commander is telling, even as Speaker Nabih Berri is opposed
CommentThe effect of Syrian events on Hezbollah
Hezbollah may be making a similar mistake as Al Assad, who refused to negotiate when he had the upper hand
Iran's grip on Lebanon could backfire
Tehran might benefit temporarily from its apparent takeover of Hezbollah but the long term consequences for Lebanon – and Iran's ideology – would not be favourable to them
CommentTrump or Harris? It's pointless to ask who's better for the Middle East
America is relying more on Israel to preserve its domination across the region. Biden's successor is unlikely to change this direction of travel
Lebanon wouldn't benefit if the US sanctioned Nabih Berri
The costs of sanctioning the head of the last functioning governing institution in the state would be significant, and the gains negligible
CommentHezbollah's decisions have upended its many relations
By helping drag Lebanon into war, the militants are burning bridges on multiple fronts
