Antoine Khoury

Ahmad Ali Chokr, a former officer of Lebanon’s General Security, has not been seen for the past ten days, according to Lebanese judicial and security sources. 

Lebanon’s cabinet on Friday approved a long-awaited draft law aimed at tackling the financial crisis that has paralysed the country’s economy for nearly six years, pushing it forward despite fierce resistance from political parties, banks and depositors.

The Christian community of Damascus, still mourning a suicide bombing that killed 25 people in June, is celebrating Christmas under heavy security as uncertainty looms over Syria’s political future.

After meeting with the US ambassador to Lebanon, Michel Issa, Kataëb leader Samy Gemayel said Monday that the next phase of the Lebanese army’s disarmament plan represents a “double test” — one for Hezbollah and another for the Lebanese state.

The United States carried out large-scale military strikes against more than 70 Islamic State targets across central Syria on Friday, U.S. officials said, in response to a recent attack that killed American personnel.

Syria’s Foreign Ministry on Friday welcomed the permanent lifting of U.S. sanctions, calling the move a key step toward rebuilding a country devastated by more than a decade of civil war.

The United Arab Emirates has strongly condemned the terrorist shooting that targeted a Jewish gathering in Sydney, Australia, leaving 12 people dead and several others injured.

Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office on Tuesday dismissed as “fake news” a report claiming Benjamin Netanyahu refused to sign a U.S.-mediated security agreement with Syria last September.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun departed Beirut on Tuesday morning for a two-day official visit to the Sultanate of Oman, responding to an invitation from Sultan Haitham bin Tariq.

Syria’s interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa warned on Saturday that Israel’s insistence on establishing a demilitarized zone in southern Syria places the country in a “dangerous position.” 

Lebanese Foreign Minister Joe Raggi said on Saturday that any handover of Hezbollah’s weapons to the Lebanese authorities ultimately depends on a decision from Iran. 

The Syrian Liberal Party, led by Fahad Al Masri, has issued a strong condemnation of what it describes as horrific crimes committed in Sweida.