Syria
Syria and Israel to hold rare talks in Baku
In a surprising development, senior officials from Syria and Israel are expected to meet Saturday on the sidelines of a visit by Syria’s interim president, Ahmad al-Shaarah, to Azerbaijan.
Samy Gemayel declares: 'Lebanon is Free, Free, Free!’
1 min Mena Today
Samy Gemayel, Lebanese MP and leader of the Kataeb Party, has celebrated what he described as a new era of sovereignty and independence for Lebanon.
Samy Gemayel © X
Samy Gemayel, Lebanese MP and leader of the Kataeb Party, has celebrated what he described as a new era of sovereignty and independence for Lebanon.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Gemayel proclaimed, "The tutelage of Hezbollah has ended, the tutelage of Iran has ended, the tutelage of Syria has ended. Lebanon is free, free, free!"
The statement reflects Gemayel's satisfaction with recent developments in the region, which he views as transformative for Lebanon's political and strategic future.
For years, Lebanon has struggled with external interference, particularly from Syria, Iran, and Hezbollah—a key political and military force in the country with strong ties to Tehran.
Gemayel’s remarks suggest a belief that this influence is waning, paving the way for Lebanon to regain its autonomy in decision-making and governance.
Gemayel’s statement resonates with a long-standing aspiration among many Lebanese for a fully sovereign state free from foreign dominance. His words underscore a vision for a Lebanon where political decisions are made independently, and the country can chart its course without external pressures.
Despite Gemayel's optimistic declaration, Lebanon faces numerous challenges, including political divisions, economic turmoil, and the need for structural reforms.
While a reduction in external interference could signal progress, the road to stability and prosperity remains fraught with obstacles.
Related
Syria
Exclusive-UN report sees no active Syrian state links to Al Qaeda
United Nations sanctions monitors have seen no "active ties" this year between Al Qaeda and the Islamist group leading Syria's interim government, an unpublished U.N. report said, a finding that could strengthen an expected U.S. push for removing U.N. sanctions on Syria.
Iraq
Kurdish PKK militants begin handing over weapons in cave in Iraq
Dozens of Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants began handing over weapons in a ceremony in a cave in northern Iraq on Friday, officials said, marking a symbolic but significant step toward ending a decades-long insurgency against Turkey.
Subscribe to our newsletter
