Nada Maucourant Atallah

Optimism in the air but recovery is 'not like flipping a switch', officials say

Lifting of sanctions sparks buzz of activity, along with questions over future of nearby Russian naval base

Country’s senior monetary official outlines plans to review laws and attract foreign deposits

Government delegation visits Al Hol camp to plan for detainees' return

President Joseph Aoun's recent travels seek to improve previously strained ties with Gulf and Arab countries

Leaders of the Eastern Church are urging the new pontiff to bridge ties between west and east

Joy in Damascus after Donald Trump's announcement

Gulf state's $29m a month pledge would cover a fifth of salary increase for civil servants

Former ISIS-held town of Dabiq searched at request of US investigators

The National talked to Shiite clan members at the Lebanese-Syria border after deadly clashes erupted at the frontier

Offensive comes hours after Israeli military hit area near presidential palace in Damascus

The National spoke to bishops and procurators gathered at the Vatican for Pope Francis's funeral to find out their hopes and fears

Mourners tell of sadness and hope as world leaders use funeral as opportunity to tackle conflicts

Heads of state and royalty among dignitaries paying last tributes to pontiff remembered for his humility

Arab mourners among thousands from around the world who have flocked to St Peter’s Basilica to pay their final respects