This is Beirut, 25/12 10:25 - Reading : 1 minute(s)
Syrian authorities on Thursday said they killed a senior leader in the Islamic State group in coordination with the US-led coalition, hours after the arrest near Damascus of another leader. Syrian security and intelligence forces, working in coordination with the international coalition, conducted what the interior ministry described as a ...
Hussain Abdul-Hussain, 23/12 10:00 - Reading : 5 minute(s)
Washington Lebanon Lebanese Army Syria Joseph Aoun Ahmad al-Sharaa
Until late 2024, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa was a U.S.-designated terrorist with a $10 million bounty on his head for leading the al-Qaeda-linked Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. By contrast, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who served as commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) until his election in January 2025, was widely regarded as one of ...
Mario Chartouni, 09/12 20:30 - Reading : 5 minute(s)
Damascus European Union Washington Russia Syria ISIS
In the narrative promoted by Moscow and Damascus, Russia and Bashar al-Assad’s regime are credited with delivering the decisive blow against ISIS in Syria. This account frames Russia’s military intervention, which began in September 2015, as the turning point in the fight against the terrorist group. Yet, a closer look at the data paints a ...
This is Beirut, 08/12 12:45 - Reading : 1 minute(s)
Washington Lebanese Army Lebanon Hezbollah Israel
U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon, Michel Issa, announced that discussions are underway for a new visit by the Lebanese army chief, Rodolphe Haykal, to Washington. The announcement follows his Monday meeting with Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi. The army commander’s visit had previously been canceled on November 18 due to a statement issued by the ...
This is Beirut, 07/12 17:30 - Reading : less than a minute
Syria Ahmed al-Sharaa Washington Tel Aviv Riyadh Bashar el-Assad
December 2024 marks a historic turning point for Syria. After more than fifty years under the Assad regime, the country enters its first political transition, with Bachar Assad fleeing and Ahmed al-Sharaa emerging as interim president. With international diplomatic meetings, the reopening of the U.S. Embassy, and initial agreements with the ...
This is Beirut, 04/12 14:00 - Reading : 1 minute(s)
Lebanon Israel Pope Francis United States Washington
The United States’ Ambassador to Lebanon, Michael Issa, issued a statement Thursday praising Lebanon and Israel for opening a channel of dialogue at a sensitive moment, signaling “a sincere willingness to pursue peaceful, responsible solutions grounded in good faith.” Ambassador Issa emphasized that durable progress can only be achieved ...
This is Beirut, 29/11 12:55 - Reading : less than a minute
Lebanon Hezbollah Israel Washington
In an interview with Haaretz, U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa stressed that Israel “does not need Washington’s permission to defend itself,” noting that the U.S. administration is in constant contact with the Lebanese government and is urging it to disarm Hezbollah. Issa added that dismantling the weapons of Hezbollah and other ...
This is Beirut, 28/11 14:34 - Reading : 4 minute(s)
Violent clashes erupted overnight from Thursday to Friday in southern Syria when Israeli soldiers operating in the Beit Jinn area came under fire from armed residents, according to local and military sources. At least one Syrian was reported killed in the first hours of the exchange, which began around 3:15 a.m. local time and lasted several ...
This is Beirut, 27/11 12:50 - Reading : less than a minute
A shooting in downtown Washington Wednesday night left two National Guard soldiers in critical condition. Authorities say the suspected gunman, a 29-year-old Afghan who came to the United States in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, was also injured and taken into custody.
This is Beirut, 23/11 23:00 - Reading : 1 minute(s)
Lebanon Hezbollah Israel Washington Haitham Tabatabai
Born in Lebanon in 1968, Haitham Ali Tabatabai, also known as Abu Ali, is believed to be of an Iranian father and a Lebanese mother. He reportedly grew up in southern Lebanon and joined Hezbollah at a young age. A former commander of the Radwan Force, Hezbollah’s elite unit, Tabatabai operated in both Syria and Yemen, where he provided ...
Amal Chmouny, 20/11 23:55 - Reading : 6 minute(s)
Lebanon LAF United States Washington
Washington's abrupt cancellation of Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) chief General Rodolphe Haykal's planned visit earlier this week signals deepening U.S. dissatisfaction with both Lebanon's approach to Hezbollah's disarmament and the LAF’s public stances on ongoing Israeli border incursions. Haykal, appointed to his post in March, was poised for ...
Paul Guillot, 20/11 17:55 - Reading : 3 minute(s)
Saudi Arabia United States Washington
On November 17, 2025, just ahead of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman's visit to Washington, the United States announced the imminent sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, marking a pivotal moment in their strategic alliance. But what is the F-35, and what makes it one of the most sought-after combat aircraft in the ...