The reversal suffered by the Islamic State, formerly the Islamic State of Iraq and Greater Syria, at Mosul dam has raised exaggerated expectations about the ability to defeat the group. The Islamic State will remain a major headache, even as there is still no comprehensive strategy in place to defeat it. Much has been made… اقرأ المزيد
BEIRUT: The Cabinet signed a decree Tuesday calling on the electorate to vote in parliamentary elections scheduled for November, but the move is not expected to boost the chances of holding the polls on time. The Cabinet’s unanimous decision was quickly praised by Speaker Nabih Berri as the “first step” toward holding parliamentary elections.… اقرأ المزيد
BEIRUT: Former Prime Minister Fouad Siniora sent the strongest signal yet Monday about the possible extension of Parliament’s mandate for a limited period, citing similar security threats to the ones that had led to last year’s extension. The Cabinet, meanwhile, failed to meet the legal deadline to publish a decree calling on the electorate… اقرأ المزيد
BEIRUT: Lebanon inched closer over the weekend toward a controversial deal that would extend Parliament’s term and resolve a long-simmering crisis over the salaries of public sector employees, a parliamentary source told The Daily Star. If the talks between rival Parliament blocs over the comprehensive deal succeed, the legislature will convene soon to pass… اقرأ المزيد
Hasan LakkisKareem Shaheen| The Daily Star BEIRUT: The Lebanese government approved Thursday a $1 billion Saudi grant to modernize security services in their fight against terrorism, as the country’s military prosecutor charged 43 alleged militants with crimes connected to recent battles in the border town of Arsal. But the charges appeared to set back negotiations… اقرأ المزيد
BEIRUT: Attempts to extend Parliament’s mandate gained momentum Tuesday as Zahle MP Nicolas Fattoush presented a draft proposal for the extension of the legislative body’s term by more than two years, citing security conditions that do not allow holding parliamentary elections scheduled in November. The proposed extension of Parliament’s term, which expires on Nov. 20,… اقرأ المزيد