Dale Gavlak

Huge challenges ahead for Lebanon's new leaders, analysts say

Disarming Hezbollah, getting financial aid, rebuilding and restoring sovereignty among the tasks facing the new leaders

Top Vatican diplomat inaugurates, consecrates Catholic church at Jesus’ baptism site

Top Vatican diplomat consecrates Catholic church at Jesus’ baptism site

Also, a new exhibit at the Vatican showcases Jordan’s Christian roots

US envoy says Israel will withdraw fully from Lebanon, while some Israelis call for residual presence

Outgoing and incoming US administration officials rush to ease conflict in Lebanon as its parliament holds presidential vote this week

Assad’s fall opens new dynamics in Middle East, regional analysts say

Some experts see a possible Turkish ascendancy, with Iran weakened and Iraq gaining more freedom

Syrian minorities want say in country's future

Syria’s religious and ethnic minorities, persecuted under Assad, press rebels to keep security promises

Arab leaders congratulate Trump but wonder if he can end Middle East wars as promised

How Trump will deal with Iran remains a mystery

Analysts see Iran's deterrence vis-a-vis Israel weakened

With Iran’s air defenses and regional proxies hit, analysts believe it is now more vulnerable to potential Israeli strikes

Major Vatican meeting sidelines talks of women priests, deacons

In the Vatican’s shadow, a group ordains women to the priesthood

Court halts Italy’s contested migrant centers in Albania

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government plans to appeal the ruling

With daily phone calls, pope offers Gazans encouragement

Vatican watchers say it’s rare for pontiffs to make phone calls

Unlike past Arab-Israeli conflicts, Arab governments pursue diplomacy while Iran proxies' fight

Analyst says Arab governments reject Iran-backed proxies radicalizing threats in favor of a different regional vision

Iran expects Hezbollah to carry out any retaliation for Nasrallah’s death

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urges Muslims to stand by Lebanon’s Hezbollah militia 'with their resources and help,' but analysts say it’s unlikely that Iran will retaliate directly on Israel for airstrike that killed its prime regional ally

Pope Francis takes on Belgium, Luxembourg and perhaps euthanasia, too

Francis wants to engage secular Europe and what he sees as its ills

Iran-linked militia leader wresting control of Iraq's Ninevah Plains after IS defeat

Observers warn Rayan al-Kildani is removing Christian mayors in Ninevah Plains, their historic heartland

US, UN, Arab states condemn al-Aqsa visit by Israeli hardline minister

Critics say Ben-Gvir's actions inflame the region and threaten a potential Gaza cease-fire

Selection of new Hamas leader further dampens expectations of Gaza cease-fire

Observers say Yahya Sinwar’s long-term goals and his leading role in October 7th attacks on Israeli civilians suggest to many that peace is not on his agenda

Yazidis seek justice on 10th anniversary of Islamic State genocide

Advocates say much more needs to be done 10 years on to address brutal genocide it experienced at the hands of Islamic State militants and its aftermath

Israel sends message with Hamas chief killing, analysts say; Iran vows revenge

Hostage and cease-fire negotiations may be the biggest loser resulting from Haniyeh's assassination

US, other governments urge citizens to leave Lebanon as threat of war looms

Airlines suspend service to Beirut airport as tensions between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah escalate