The unusually direct U.S. intervention in Lebanon's sectarian politics appears aimed at capitalizing on shifts in the power balance.

Gabbard referenced her experience serving in Congress and serving in the U.S. military as examples that have prepared her for the role.

Syria’s new regime recently claimed to have halted all weapons shipments headed to Lebanon. T he collapse of the Bashar al-Assad government in Syria was truly a turning point fo

Analysts, however, said Salam and Aoun have a unique opportunity. The collapse of the al-Assad regime, a constant meddler in Lebanese affairs, the weakening of Iran and the willingness of the international community to provide foreign aid and backing to Lebanon’s new leaders mean there is support for a reform agenda that wasn’t previously there.

Trump’s pick for director of national intelligence had a particularly controversial trip to the Middle East that members of Hezbollah discussed.

Senators remain concerned about Tulsi Gabbard’s foreign contacts. In addition to meeting in 2017 with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad—who recently fled his country amid a rebel insurgency—Gabbard mig

Photos released by Syrian media show assault rifles, RPGs and ammunition, in apparent second instance this month of authorities thwarting arms transfer

A key opportunity lies in Mediterranean natural gas deposits, which could provide economic relief and energy security for Lebanon and the world as a whole.

Israel’s withdrawal felt like a necessary end to an unwinnable entanglement. But it also left behind a vacuum quickly filled by Hezbollah, which entrenched itself as a military and political force, claiming victory over Israel and tying Lebanon’s fate to the ambitions of Iran and Syria.

Bloodshed over the weekend highlighted the brittleness of the cease-fires in both places. Still, Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah each have reasons to postpone a new escalation, at least for a few weeks.

The Lebanese army must deploy in order for Israel to withdraw, and Hezbollah’s presence must end. However, as revealed by the smuggling, Hezbollah is trying to re-arm.

Washington is pressuring top Lebanese officials not to allow Hezbollah or its allies to nominate the country's next finance minister, five people with knowledge of the matter said, in an attempt to limit the Iran-backed group's sway over the state.