The peace conference in Geneva has failed to deliver humanitarian aid to a starving population. Will opposing sides be able …
Hizballah
Lebanon May Become ‘Center’ of Arab World’s Sectarian Wars
An international tribunal investigation into the 2005 assassination of a former Prime Minister is overshadowed by the threat of regional sectarian war
Hizballah’s War of Shadows With Saudi Arabia Comes Into the Light
As the sectarian violence of Syria’s conflict spills over, the proxy struggles between Lebanon’s influential Shi‘ite organization Hizballah and the staunchly Sunni Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have turned into open war
Taking the Lead, Hizballah Girds for Key Syria Battle on Assad’s Behalf
Throughout the bloody Syrian conflict, the ruling regime of President Bashar Assad has derided the armed opposition for its reliance on foreign fighters, usually seasoned militants that come from the battlefields of Chechnya, …
Syria’s Breaking Bad: Are Amphetamines Funding the War?
A spike in the trafficking of the illegal drug Captagon, popular in the Middle East, is connected to Syria’s brutal civil war
The Battle for Qusayr: What Victory in Syria’s Latest Front Means for the War
Fighting continued for a fifth straight day in the strategic Syrian city of Qusayr, as opposition forces fighting the regime of President Bashar Assad sought desperately to maintain their slipping grip in a battle that could …
Lebanon’s Sects Game: The Problem With Its Byzantine Political System
The appointment of a new Lebanese Prime Minister illustrates the arcane complexity — and absurdity — of the country’s sectarian politics
Assad’s Big Ally: How Deeply Entrenched Is Iran in Syria?
Though Syria will not be discussed when the West and Iran sit down for nuclear talks, it is likely to be part of the unresolved calculus of power in the region
Riding the Thermals: Inside Hizballah’s Drone–Mostly Hot Air
Alarms over Hizballah’s primitive drone were a publicity coup for Lebanon’s Shi’ite militia. But the PR stunt may have given away any potential element of surprise in the event of another war with Israel.
Must-Reads from Around the World
Today’s picks: the en masse arrival of Pakistan’s Hindus into neigboring India to escape religious persecution, lingering questions over Turkey’s human rights record, as it attempts to reposition itself as the Middle East’s …
“The Iranians rolled out the red carpet for Morsy. But he didn't follow the Iranian script.”
Must-Reads from Around the World
In today’s offerings: the U.S. and China’s increasing military competition, Ai Weiwei’s protege and Palestinian politics intersect with regional realities.
Must-Reads from Around the World
Syria’s foreign minister speaks, this week’s controversial visits by the Egyptian president and Colombia’s leader confirms peace talks with leftist rebels.