Lebanon
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Hezbollah's new leader Naim Qassem
Stepping out of Nasrallah's shadow
Naim Qassem is a veteran of Hezbollah in Lebanon. A member since its foundation, he could never escape the shadow of Nasrallah. Now, he's the boss, and a man the Israeli government says is living with a death sentence.
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Hezbollah in Lebanon
Infiltrated but strategically undefeated
Hezbollah may have been infiltrated by Israel, but it is far from defeated. Its most powerful missiles are yet to be deployed. To prevent the situation from spiralling completely out of control, look to Gaza.
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In memory of Elias Khoury
"Forgetting is a blessing"
A look back at the life, work and enduring political relevance of Lebanese writer, intellectual, and giant of modern Arabic literature Elias Khoury, who passed away on 15 September.
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Relations with the Middle East
Europe can still make a difference
The European Union is faced with the challenge of finding a common line towards the Middle East that both takes into account the different national positions and promotes a coherent foreign policy. How can this be realized?
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Syrians in Lebanon
Not safe to stay, not safe to go home
Desperate Syrians are weighing up whether to stay in an increasingly hostile Lebanon or risk a precarious existence in areas held by the Syrian opposition. The return journey is deadly and conditions in Syria are tough
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Lebanon celebrates art amid crisis
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Israel, the USA and the Islamic Republic
Understanding Iran's "offensive-defensive" strategy
April 2024 not only saw Iran's unprecedented direct assault on Israel but also a violent crackdown on women in Iran refusing to wear the hijab. So what is behind Tehran's conflicting sense of hubris and insecurity?
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Islam's holy month
Why more non-Muslims are taking part in Ramadan
Ramadan's observance is widespread in the Middle East, often involving non-Muslims in the region's celebrations. In Christian-majority countries, participation has been less common, but this trend is starting to shift
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Lebanon's Tripoli
Old wounds and new problems on "Syria Street"
Syria Street in Tripoli, Lebanon's second-largest city, was a microcosm of the Syrian Civil War for many years. Nowadays, a fragile calm hides the complexities of Lebanon's past and the resilience of its people
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Prospects for peace in the Middle East
The search for the Middle East formula
Without rights for the Palestinians, there can be neither security for Israelis nor stability in the Middle East. There are four possible future scenarios
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UNRWA and humanitarian aid
EU releases frozen funds for Palestinians
The EU Commission intends to transfer 82 million euros to the UN Palestinian relief organisation UNRWA. Payments had been suspended following Israel's accusation that UNRWA was involved in Hamas terrorism
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Contemporary Art Biennale in Riyadh
What comes after the rain
For the second time, a biennale for contemporary art is taking place in Riyadh. It stands for Saudi Arabia's new policy of opening up and focuses on the theme of nature and environment. A report from Riyadh