Iranian airline refused landing in Beirut

The Israeli military said on Thursday that its forces killed a member of Iran's Quds Force in Lebanon who had been involved in planning attacks from Syria and Lebanon.

Israel increasingly resembles an economy captured by monopolies, where a small circle of powerful interests dominates key sectors and ordinary consumers foot the bill.

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.