Podcast: Beyond the Headlines

A photo taken while embedded with the Israeli Army and cleared by Israeli military censors shows Israeli soldiers from the special unit Yahalom next to an underground tunnel in the Al-Shaboura neighborhood of Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, 08 December 2025 (issued 09 December 2025). Lieutenant Hadar Goldin was reportedly held captive in the tunnel in recent years, before his body was handed over by Hamas. The tunnel is over seveb kilometers long and approximately 25 meters deep. EPA / ATEF SAFADI

What’s stalling phase two of the Gaza ceasefire?

The lack of clarity over peacekeeping efforts and reconstruction is complicating the next steps in peace plan

Syrian President Ahmad al Shara. Sectarian violence, economic despair and devastated infrastructure have posed challenges for his government. Photo: Presidency of the Syrian Arab Republic.

One year since Assad’s fall: Where is Syria today?

Is US pressure finally forcing Israel to address settler violence?

How Israel is obstructing reconstruction in Lebanon

Egypt

The migrant route across the Mediterranean attracts thousands of people a year despite extreme perils. AFP

At least 14 Egyptians dead after migrant boat sinks off Greece

Eighteen more, including 13 Egyptians, remain missing

MENA

Today's cartoonShadi's take on Egypt's restoration of two ancient statues

Cartoon

AD Ports seeks to buy controlling stake in Egyptian container terminal operator

Business

Egypt restores colossal statues of pharaoh 3,200 years after earthquake

MENA

Lebanon

Protesters carry a mocked-up missile at a rally against US-led strikes on Houthi targets, in Sanaa, Yemen, in January 2024. Reuters

CommentIs the era of militias in the Arab world finally ending? Iraq may have just said so

Uproar over Baghdad's now-reverted move to add Hezbollah and the Houthis to its terror list is most telling

Comment

CommentBeirut is in no state to normalise Lebanon-Israel relations

Comment

Travel ban imposed on former Lebanese minister facing corruption charges

MENA

US Syria envoy Barrack meets Israel's Netanyahu in Jerusalem

MENA

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