US extends freeze of assets of those undermining Lebanon stability

United States President Barack Obama Thursday extended a freeze on assets of persons threatening stability in Lebanon and targeting those seeking “to undermine Lebanon’s legitimate and democratically elected government.” The national unity government in which March 14 held the majority . (more…)

Karam’s trial postponed to Aug. 30

The trial of Brig. Gen. Fayez Karam was postponed by the military court on Thursday to Aug. 30, after the prosecution demanded reports about his health condition.

New TV reported that the prosecution asked doctors from Dahr al-Basheq Hospital to submit reports about Karam’s health condition. (more…)

Hezbollah denies involvement in Syrian crackdown

Hezbollah issued a statement on Thursday “strongly denying” reports that it is taking part in the crackdown against the pro-democracy protesters in Syria.
“Such allegations are completely baseless,” the party, which is allied with the ruling Syrian  regime, said.
(more…)

Syrian envoy considers Jumblatt’s remarks over Syrian uprising positive

Syrian Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Abdel Karim Ali commented on Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblatt’s recent remarks regarding the Syrian uprising, saying that he wants to “read all positive aspects” of Jumblatt’s stances.
(more…)

Italy voted to reduce its UNIFIL force by over one third

Italy voted Wednesday to reduce the number of its peacekeeping force  in Lebanon by more than one-third, just a day after six French U.N. peacekeepers were wounded in a roadside bomb attack. (more…)

Jumblatt: Attack against UNIFIL aimed at creating vacuum in s. Lebanon

Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblatt said Thursday that Tuesday’s attack against French UNIFIL troops was suspicious and aimed at creating “vacuum,” in South Lebanon. (more…)

Almost 3,000 Syrians listed as ‘disappeared’

Concern about the fate of thousands of missing people in Syria has intensified, after the campaign group Avaaz said it had contacted the families of almost 3,000 people who, it says, have been “disappeared” by the state since the start of protests in March. (more…)

Syrian opposition activists meet in Istanbul to plan strategy

Approximately 200 Syrian opposition activists met Wednesday in Istanbul for the first of four planned days of workshops intended to coordinate their efforts against the Syrian regime.

“This will be the seed for future civil society institutions and movements in Syria,” said Moaz Al-Sibaai, the meeting’s general coordinator. (more…)

Asarta: Lots of evidence on UNIFIL bombing

The head of the U.N. peacekeeping force in Lebanon says investigators trying to determine who was responsible for a roadside bomb that injured six French peacekeepers have “a lot of evidence” that will hopefully lead to the perpetrators. (more…)

Poll: Iran’s popularity sinks in the Arab world

Iran’s popularity among the Arab countries have plunged over the past decade, while Turkey’s favor-ability ratings have soared, according to a survey by the Arab American Institute in Washington.

The poll, which was conducted last month in six Arab countries — Morocco, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) (more…)