Change in Syria Jeopardizes Presidential Election Session on Jan. 9

On December 8, 2024, a historic shift reshaped Syria as Bashar al-Assad's regime fell to the opposition in just ten days. This seismic event reverberated through Damascus and the wider region, drawing attention to the Middle East’s uncertain future at a particularly delicate time, with Israel’s war on Hamas and the conflict with Hezbollah in ...

Changes in Lebanon and Syria Redefine Regional Dynamics

Regional developments are unfolding at an unprecedented pace. From Lebanon to Syria, a surge of violence is sweeping through the region, igniting multiple fronts targeting Iran’s proxies in its self-declared spheres of influence. Iraq risks being drawn in unless it distances itself and aligns with a broader international effort that appears ...

The American Ceasefire Plan Put to the Test

Lebanese Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri and Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati received a 13-point US ceasefire proposal from US Ambassador Lisa Johnson. Berri, who forwarded the proposal to Hezbollah for review and feedback, announced that Lebanon's response would soon be issued in writing, with amendments. He explained that "the proposal ...

Trump’s Quest for a Diplomatic Breakthrough May Reinforce Hochstein’s Mission

President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House, described as a “tsunami,” offers him an opportunity to resolve global conflicts, as he had promised during his campaign. “I will fix the crises caused by the Biden-Harris administration,” he said. “I will end the suffering and destruction in Lebanon, and I will bring peace to the ...

Le Drian and Hochstein in Lebanon after November 5

In a scenario similar to the negotiations on Gaza, all of which were dismissed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu due to his impossible conditions, Netanyahu has rejected the settlement plan brought by US envoy Amos Hochstein. This proposal, presented by Speaker of the House Nabih Berri, called for a ceasefire and the full implementation ...

Will Israel’s ‘Symbolic’ Response to Iran Ease Lebanon’s Crisis?

Israel’s response to Iran’s Oct.1 missile attack signals a marked shift from the previous phase, easing widespread concerns in Lebanon and internationally that Tel Aviv might push the region toward a broader conflict. Reports indicate that a US-brokered arrangement between the two sides has defused the immediate threat of war, with further ...