Topic: Middle East Center

Syria assault on Hama signals hardened resolve on both sides

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad claimed victory over "warmongers" after his forces killed 100 in Hama. But the violence could incite daily protests during Ramadan, which begins today.

Syria's Assad regime gets little sympathy from neighbors

Bashar al-Assad and his father, Hafez al-Assad, kept Syria stable for 40 years through Machiavellian guile and ruthlessness, while sowing havoc elsewhere in the region.

Tunisian events likely to spark wider Arab reforms, but not revolutions

A number of copycat self-immolations across the Middle East are raising questions about whether the protests that drove Tunisia's Ben Ali could soon threaten other Arab autocrats.

What Hezbollah wants from Lebanon's next government

Talks in Lebanon to form a new cabinet are set to begin Monday. Hezbollah pulled support from the government over opposition to a tribunal investigating the 2005 Rafik Hariri assassination.

Israeli-Palestinian peace talks under threat from Hamas. Can Syria help?

US envoy George Mitchell arrived in Damascus today after Israeli-Palestinian peace talks culminated in Jerusalem. He may ask President Bashar Assad to lean on Hamas amid fresh Gaza air strikes.

Rare Arab summit to forestall possible Hezbollah unrest in Lebanon

An Arab summit of the leaders of Saudi Arabia and Syria met in Beirut today for the first time in eight years amid rising concern that the Hariri assassination tribunal could indict key Hezbollah members – sparking Hezbollah unrest.

US-Iran dynamic: Why US effort to leverage Syria is flagging

In a bid to strengthen Washington's hand in the US-Iran dynamic, President Obama has sought to woo Syria. But as those efforts stall, Syria is drawing closer to Iranian-backed Hezbollah.

Young people in Iran likely to blame regime for tougher US sanctions

Iran sanctions kick in, and Ahmadinejad says he'll ban Coca-Cola

Iran sanctions are leading to the possible banning of Coca Cola as Iranian President Ahmadinejad has decided that a ban on American and Western products is a fitting retaliation.

Lebanon resumes defense talks on Hezbollah's military wing

The most powerful politicians in Lebanon resumed discussions on national defense, with questions of how to rein in Shiite political party Hezbollah's powerful military wing on the table.

How a murder investigation could snarl Mideast peace

Syria is the prime suspect in former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri's assassination. But many say an international tribunal could cause it to turn away from engaging with the West and Israel.

In Lebanon, pragmatism tempers jihadist aims

In a move to avoid a second deadly battle in a Palestinian refugee camp, some groups have taken a rare step away from Islamist militancy.

Barack who? Arabs weigh in.

Senator Obama is an unknown quantity as he tours the Middle East.

Why Qatar is emerging as Middle East peacemaker

It was uniquely positioned to broker a deal this week between warring factions in Lebanon.

Uncertainty deepens in Lebanon as Hezbollah seizes control of west Beirut

The success of the Shiite group's offensive casts doubt over government's ability to survive.

Hezbollah phone network spat sparks Beirut street war

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said Thursday that the pro-Western government has declared 'war' on his militant group.

U.S. warship stirs Lebanese fear of war.

The USS Cole has deployed off the coast of Lebanon as that nation's political crisis deepens.

Can the Arab League solve Lebanon's political crisis?

The Arab League's secretary-general flies into Beirut this week in an effort to end the country's presidential stalemate.