Israel, Syria and Lebanon: A Tangled Web

A reduction in the U.N. force monitoring southern Lebanon hints at possible Israeli preparations for a rematch with Hezbollah. [more]

Major Arab powers are reaching out to select Hezbollah figures to exacerbate rifts in the Shiite movement, constrain Syria and undermine Iranian influence in the region. [more]

Syria's agenda for Lebanon may have Turkish and Israeli backing. [more]

Syria reportedly has increased the number of its troops on the Lebanese border. [more]

Rumors of the recent death of a Hezbollah leader indicate a nasty fight within Lebanese Shiite militant group's top ranks. [more]

To attack? or not to attack Israel? That is the question that may well determine the future of Hezbollah and its status in Lebanon. A look at the fractures within the Shiite movement. [more]

Hezbollah and media commentators alike are treating the July 16 prisoner swap with Israel — which has received only the remains of slain soldiers in return for five living prisoners — as an unmitigated victory for the Shiite militant group. But less public events indicate that the walls are closing in on Hezbollah. [more]

On June 30, the Israeli Knesset passed a new law that sets boundaries on the withdrawal of territory under Israeli control. [more]

There are a number of indications that peace talks between Syria and Israel are continuing to advance despite the political instability of the Jewish state. This progression could have grave implications for Hezbollah. [more]

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert hinted on Wednesday that direct, public talks between Israel and Syria are likely. A peace deal between the countries would effect changes in the Middle East and beyond. [more]

Peace talks between Israel and Syria appear to be making progress despite the political turmoil surrounding Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. [more]

Developments in the ongoing criminal case against Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert have not jeopardized Olmert's prime ministerial position; however, peace talks with Syria are on shaky ground. [more]

Two days after taking over western Beirut, Lebanese Shiite Islamist movement Hezbollah is gaining the upper hand -- and the Lebanese army has yet to come to the government's aid. [more]

Clashes in Beirut between pro-government militias and Hezbollah are all in accordance with a plan. But the more chaotic Beirut becomes, the better Syria can justify its return as kingmaker. (With Stratfor maps) [more]

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert could be indicted on charges of bribery. There is violence in Lebanon between Hezbollah and those opposed to it. The Turks suspended Israeli-Syrian talks because of leaks. Things are in flux in the Middle East. [more]

Violence spread throughout Lebanon on May 8 during a second day of protests by Hezbollah. [more]

The first in a series of monographs on the geopolitics of countries that are currently critical in world affairs. (With STRATFOR maps) [more]

The Middle East, already monstrously complex, grew more complex last week. [more]

Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan said Ankara would continue to act as a go-between to encourage Israel and Syria to restart direct negotiations, Haaretz reported Monday. [more]

The Bush administration briefed the U.S. Congress on April 24 about the Sept. 6, 2007, Israeli raid on Syria. But why now? And why is the United States explaining an Israeli raid? [more]