Iran urges the Houthis to de-escalate ‘tensions’
Iran has made private requests to Yemen’s Houthis to “cool tensions” in the Red Sea, according to Reuters. The report states that two senior Iranian officials said Iran sent a message to...
Al Akhbar
Lebanon’s prime minister-designate is unlikely to confront Hezbollah
After a two-year vacancy, Lebanon finally has a president. On January 9, Joseph Aoun was swept into office as its fourteenth holder to Lebanese and international acclaim. More importantly, if...
Op-eds
With No Power or Constitutional Authority, Lebanon’s New President Won’t Disarm Hezbollah
After two years of deadlock, the proverbial white smoke has emerged from Lebanon’s parliament in Beirut’s Nejmeh Square. Former Lebanese Armed Forces commander Joseph Aoun has been elected...
Op-eds
Iran’s waning influence in the Arab world
The League of Arab States, based in Cairo and comprising 22 nations, issued a pointed rebuke of Iran’s ambitions in Syria on December 26, stating, “The Arab League rejects the recent Iranian...
Op-eds
Iranian-backed militias in Iraq may stop attacking Israel
A report this week indicates that some of these militias and groups have stepped back from attacks in the wake of the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire.
Op-eds
Naim Qassem on Hezbollah’s post-ceasefire posture
Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem delivered two speeches—one on November 29 and another on December 5— after the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon that took effect on November 27. Most...
Op-eds
Hezbollah drone attack on IDF base marks major escalation in precision strike capability
Hezbollah's recent drone attack on an IDF base marks a significant escalation, demonstrating the group's precision strike capabilities and increased lethality.
Op-eds
Understanding Nasrallah’s speech: How will Hezbollah avenge Shukr?
Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah spoke for the second time in seven days on August 6, commemorating one week since the assassination of the group’s military commander Fuad Shukr...
Op-eds
Arab League Sends Mixed Message Over Labeling Hezbollah a ‘Terrorist’ Organization
Arab League Assistant Secretary-General Hossam Zaki walked back his statement from June 28 implying that his organization no longer considers Iran’s Lebanese proxy Hezbollah...
Flash Briefs
Why is the Arab League reaching out to Hezbollah?
There is a lot of speculation that this means that the Arab League no longer views Hezbollah as a terrorist group.
Op-eds
Israel’s media and political discussions are watched closely in region
The broader point is that everyone in the region is watching closely developments in Israel, Israeli politics, and other pertinent issues.
Op-eds
Hezbollah may be emboldened by US arms decision
Israel may be playing down the impact of the arms delay, but it is music to Hezbollah’s ears, and the Iranian axis in general.
Op-eds
Does Hezbollah’s Silence Link the Attack on Safed to Israel’s Strike on Nabatiyeh?
Last Thursday, Israel reportedly attempted to assassinate two high-ranking Hezbollah members: Ali Karaki, identified by media outlets as a “Hezbollah military commander” but, more significantly, “the...
Op-eds
Eyeless in Gaza
How the U.S. blinded Israeli intelligence gathering efforts on Hamas and other Palestinian groups inside Lebanon
Op-eds
UN Peacekeepers Let Hezbollah Call the Shots
Each year, at the end of August, the UN Security Council holds a vote on whether to extend the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for another 12 months. Now in its 43rd year,...
Op-eds
Lebanon’s Interwoven Fantasy Worlds All Lead to War With Israel
How much should America pay to maintain the fraying fabric?
Op-eds
Hezbollah Ritually Humiliates the UN
In what is becoming a yearly ritual, the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted ...
Op-eds
Hezbollah Calls the Shots in Iran’s Syria Policy
President Donald Trump is reportedly about to extend a terrorism designation to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in its entirety. The IRGC is both the dominant force inside I...
Op-eds
Hezbollah’s Incendiary Threat to Lebanon’s Banks
On Sunday night, a bomb detonated outside the Banque du Liban et d’Outre-Mer (BLOM), in the...
Policy Briefs
Iran and Hezbollah Avoid Blaming Israel for Terrorist Commander’s Death
Mustafa Badreddine, the head of Hezbollah’s military operations in Syria, was recently killed in an explosion near Damascus International Airport. Although the assassination bears some sign...