Iraq's Stability on the Line As US, Iran Tensions Soar
As the United States and Israel escalate their push to contain Iranian influence in the Middle East, countries in Tehran's orbit are feeling the heat.
Detained US Resident Freed By Iran, On His Way To Lebanon
A U.S. permanent resident and Lebanese businessman who was imprisoned for years in Iran has been freed and was on his way back to his native Lebanon.
Pompeo in Lebanon to Talk Hezbollah Amid Golan Condemnation
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo held talks with Lebanese leaders on Friday amid strong regional condemnation of President Donald Trump's declaration that it's time the U.S. recognized Israel's sovereignty over the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.
Lebanon PM's Return Heightens Unpredictability in Volatile Region
Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri reversed his plans to resign as he returned to Lebanon on Nov. 22, punctuating an already volatile month in the region.
Lebanese army detains 103 Syrians in wake of border bombings
Lebanese troops detained 103 Syrians for illegal entry into the country in a security sweep Tuesday, a day after a series of deadly bombings struck a village near the Syrian border.
Analysis: Russian goals in Syria defined by timing
There's much speculation about Russia's motives for intervening in Syria. The root answer lies in the timing.
Hezbollah Targeted by Car Bomb
By William Tucker
Approximately 53 people were injured this morning when a car bomb detonated in Lebanon’s Beir el-Abed area – a well known Hezbollah stronghold. Though no claim of responsibility has been made, speculation in the media has pointed to Syrian rebels who are looking to retaliate against Hezbollah’s involvement in the Syrian civil war.
Iran’s Trouble with Syria
By William Tucker
Since the inception of the Syrian uprising, IHS has discussed the international dimension of the conflict, but the initial posturing by regional and international powers, though discernible, was largely opaque. As the civil war has drug on the hand of foreign interlopers has become visible in the form of continuing support for the Assad regime from Russia and Iran, while many Arab and Western nations have provided support to the rebels.
Israel Reportedly Hits Multiple Targets in Syria
By William Tucker
Multiple media reports on January 30th, 2013, stated that the Israeli air force had struck a convoy of missiles on the Syrian-Lebanese border. As the day went on other news outlets began reporting that the target was a fixed military facility near Damascus that was still under control of the Assad regime. It didn’t take long before speculation became mixed with unverified reports in this situation.
Iran’s Access to the Sea
By William Tucker
Presidential candidate and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney has stated on several occasions that, “Syria is the route that allows Iran to supply Hezbollah with weapons in Lebanon. Syria is Iran’s route to the sea.” This statement has been met with confusion among many political watchers. On their website the Washington Post even responded by calling it “weird.”