Voices from the Arab press: As war postponed in Lebanon, another escalates in Syria
A weekly selection of opinions and analyses from the Arab media around the world.
Middle East
Sharaa's Syria stands at political impasse as Aleppo violence reflects deep divisions
Egyptian-British activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah arrives in UK after release from Egyptian prison
UNIFIL says IDF forces fire impacted close by, one soldier 'wounded by gunfire, explosion sound'
Houthi leader says future rounds of fighting with Israel likely
The terror organization's leader additionally decried US involvement in the region and urged his followers to remain in “a state of constant vigilance, with a high jihadist spirit."
Months later: Jordan receives body of terrorist who killed two IDF soldiers at Allenby Crossing
The terrorist, Abdul Muttalib Al-Qaisi, worked as a humanitarian aid truck driver.
Sectarian attack: Eight dead, 21 injured in Homs mosque incident targeting Alawite minority
Local official Issam Naameh told Reuters the blast took place during Friday noon prayers, typically the busiest time for mosques.
Syria prepares for economic revival as United States drops Caesar Act sanctions
More than a legal step, the repeal of the Caesar Act signals a political and economic shift that has put Syria back on the radar after years largely cut off from global markets.
Iran seizes foreign oil tanker near Gulf, saying it was carrying millions of smuggled fuel liters
Iran said last week it had seized another foreign tanker carrying 6 million litres of what it described as smuggled diesel in the Gulf of Oman.
UAE backs Saudi efforts to restore stability in Yemen amid STC tension
"The UAE reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to supporting all endeavors aimed at strengthening stability and development in Yemen," the foreign ministry said in a statement.
UN rights experts, influential women condemn Iran’s 'sham' trial of activist Zahra Tabari
Tabari was convicted by a Revolutionary Court in Rasht in October on the grounds of armed rebellion, in an online trial that lasted less than ten minutes.
Christmas passes peacefully in the Middle East
Christmas was celebrated by Christian communities across the region, including in Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq.
When faith comes under fire: How Iran’s repression of religious minorities has increased
IRAN AFFAIRS: A new report by NUFDI titled “Faith Under Siege” has documented the religious oppression, providing many examples of the individuals who have been arrested.
Diplomatic effort continues to ward off 'specter of war' with Israel, Lebanon's Aoun says
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said "our diplomatic contacts have not stopped to ward off the specter of war" with Israel, noting that "the specter of war is still there."
