middle east

The Sacred Fire Arrives in Lebanon: A Beacon of Faith and Unity

The Sacred Fire, originating from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, passed through Jordan before arriving at Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut. Its first stop on Lebanese soil was the Saint Dimitrios Church in Ashrafieh. This symbolic journey, illuminated by divine light, brings together Christian communities across the ...

Iran: Diplomacy on the Edge of Collapse

Speaking from Tehran on Thursday, April 17, the director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, warned that “time is running out” to reach a new agreement on Iran’s nuclear program. His visit comes at a tense moment, with European diplomatic efforts largely sidelined and fears of military confrontation ...

Le Figaro: Network Supplying Hezbollah With Drone Manufacturing Equipment Dismantled

A European network that has been supplying Hezbollah with equipment needed to manufacture hundreds of drones has been dismantled, French daily Le Figaro said in a report published Friday evening. The newspaper noted that "the most significant event between the summer of 2024 and last week was the dismantling of Hezbollah's logistical support ...

Hamas Leadership Operating Behind Veil of Secrecy

After Israel killed a string of its leaders, Hamas anointed new commanders to top ranks, this time shrouding their identities in secrecy to protect them from assassination. Israel vowed to crush Hamas in retaliation for the October 7 attack, launching a blistering offensive in Gaza that has massively weakened the movement while reducing much of ...

Why is The NBA Eyeing Europe?

The NBA has said it is "exploring" the creation of a professional basketball league in Europe, but the plans remain vague and raise many questions. The first is why is the powerful US league taking this step? How does it intend to make money? And is the EuroLeague, the home of Europe's best clubs, doomed to a marriage of convenience? Why has the ...

US Embassy Statement: Ortagus Called for Disarmament of Hezbollah and Reforms During Visit to Lebanon

The US Embassy in Beirut issued a statement on Monday announcing that Morgan Ortagus, Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East, expressed her enthusiasm for returning to Lebanon to meet with President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Speaker Nabih Berri and Minister of Foreign Affairs Youssef Rajji. The statement highlighted that ...

Lebanese Army Deploys Troops Along Border with Syria

Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal inspected the Lebanese-Syrian border today, shortly after a meeting with US Deputy Envoy to the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus, at his Yarzeh office. The meeting, attended by US Ambassador Lisa Johnson and a delegation, focused on the overall situation in Lebanon and the region, with particular emphasis on ...

Ortagus Begins Lebanon Visit at Presidential Palace

US Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus, has returned to Lebanon for her second visit since February to meet with Lebanese officials. Her first stop was the Presidential Palace, where she held talks with President Joseph Aoun, followed by meetings with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri. Ortagus ...

Morgan Ortagus: The Architect of Historic Change in Lebanon

Morgan Ortagus, the U.S. Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East, arrives in Beirut this Friday with a clear objective: to transform the status quo and usher in a new era of stability for Lebanon. A true strategist in American diplomacy, she carries a strong message from Washington aimed at resolving border disputes with Israel, encouraging the ...

The US and Iran's Dangerous Dance

The US and Iran are now locked in a decisive showdown—one that will either lead to a historic breakthrough or ignite a conflict that redraws the map of the Middle East. The Pentagon’s recent deployment of additional warplanes to the Middle East, notably the stationing of up to six B-2 stealth bombers at Diego Garcia, is a stark indicator of ...

Trump says Could Visit Saudi Arabia as Early as Next Month

US President Donald Trump may visit Saudi Arabia as soon as next month, he told reporters at the White House on Monday, in what could be his first overseas trip since his return to power. "It could be next month, maybe a little bit later. And we're going to Qatar, also, and also we're going to possibly a couple of other countries. UAE is very ...

Joseph Aoun Calls for Lifting Sanctions on Syria

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasized on Friday the importance of lifting international sanctions on Syria to enhance stability in Lebanon and the region as a whole and to facilitate the return of displaced persons. He made these remarks during a virtual summit organized by France at the Élysée Palace while on an official visit to Paris. ...