Armed Factions in Syria: Identity, Affiliations, and Strategic Positioning

Over thirteen years since the beginning of the war, Syria remains a stage for complex conflicts, with numerous factions vying for control over different zones of influence. Last Wednesday, following the establishment of a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, Syrian opposition forces led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Cham launched an offensive from their ...

The Reconstruction of War-Torn Areas in Lebanon: A Complex and Uncertain Equation

The end of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel raises a critical question for the Lebanese: who will bear the financial responsibility for rebuilding the villages and cities devastated by the conflict? In a country already mired in an unprecedented economic and political crisis, options are both limited and complex. Several actors could ...

Political and Security Implications of the Ceasefire

The date of November 26 marked a turning point in the war that has lasted over a year between Hezbollah and Israel. On Tuesday evening, a ceasefire was declared in Lebanon, that took effect early Wednesday morning. While the agreement between the warring parties represents a significant step toward managing the tensions that have plagued the ...

Lebanon-Israel: Are the Diplomatic Advances Real?

Will the long-awaited agreement between Lebanon and Israel be concluded? According to some sources and several American and Israeli media, the two sides have finally agreed on the terms of a ceasefire. Others, however, dismiss the possibility altogether. The reality is such that between diplomatic efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Lebanon and ...

Hochstein in Lebanon and Israel: A New Diplomatic Mirage?

In the absence of an “Iran-Israel-US deal,” any roadmap for a ceasefire in Lebanon seems destined to fail. What about a proposal that, in both substance and form, brings no changes (being similar to the previous one) and for which each party continues to express reservations? According to various media sources, US envoy Amos Hochstein is ...

Lebanon Balancing on The Edge of Truce and War

Caught in the crossfire between Israel and Iran—through its proxies Hamas and Hezbollah—Lebanon is plunging deeper into uncertainty. Under the looming threat of military escalation, the country, now stripped of its ability to influence its own fate, has become the focal point of numerous international negotiations, which remain ambiguous and ...

Brighter Prospects for Mikati?

Expected in Riyadh on Sunday to participate in the Arab-Islamic summit scheduled for November 11, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati plans to arrive with strong political backing. His main challenge will be to present himself before the Arab community not only as Leban exon’s executive leader, but also as a national and, importantly, Sunni ...

Will General Joseph Aoun’s Mandate Be Extended Again?

With only two months left until the expiration of Army Commander-in-Chief General Joseph Aoun's mandate, the same question that surfaced at the end of 2023 is once again looming: can Lebanon avoid a vacancy at the helm of its military, the sole fully operational institution in a country where others remain paralyzed amid a profound security, ...

What Implications for Israel’s Termination of UNRWA Agreement?

Israel has officially terminated its agreement with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA). On Monday, Tel Aviv formally informed the UN of this decision, which had been approved by an overwhelming parliamentary majority the week before. Historically fraught with deep-rooted disagreements, Israel's ...

Equitable Distribution of Humanitarian Aid: A Strategy for Lebanon?

Since the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensified on September 23, Lebanon has been facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. Massive destruction of neighborhoods and residential areas, with more than 1.2 million people internally displaced…  According to the latest human toll, dated October 30, 2024, 2,792 people have been killed ...

The Toll of 33 Days of War, Far Exceeding That of 2006

Thirty-three days since the escalation of fighting between Hezbollah and Israel began on September 23, the war shows no signs of ending. However, in 2006, the 33rd day marked the end of a "minor" conflict compared to what we are witnessing today. While the wars of 2006 and 2024 have striking similarities, major differences are observed in terms ...

Reopening of Public Schools Amid Internal Displacement Crisis

Set for November 4 by a decision from the caretaker Minister of Education, Abbas Halabi, the start of the school year in public schools faces numerous challenges. Thousands of displaced people currently occupy these schools, having taken refuge there after the intensification of clashes between Hezbollah and Israel, particularly since September ...