The Media Line

Iraq PM's anti-corruption raids test resolve against Iran-backed power networks -analysis

That gap between optics and substance could become decisive ahead of Al-Zaidi’s expected Washington visit.

Iraqi Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi speaks during a parliamentary session to vote in a new government headed by Ali al-Zaidi as prime minister, at the parliament headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq, May 14, 2026.
Shi'ite mourners gather near a banner depicting late former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and and other senior figures as they mark Ashura, the holiest day on the Shi'ite Muslim calendar, in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, June 26, 2026.

Why is Jonathan Conricus chiding Netanyahu, blaming Egypt, and hailing Lebanon deal? - interview

 The Central Synagogue of Aleppo in January 2016.

Syrian Jews track down, recover stolen heritage artifact from Damascus' Old City synagogue

Lebanon, Israel and the United States on Friday signed a trilateral framework agreement aimed at paving the way for a peace deal between the two long-time Middle East adversaries. Washington, DC, on June 26, 2026.

Israel-Lebanon framework faces first test as Hezbollah rejects disarmament deal - analysis


Bennett pitches educational reform ahead of election, standardized curriculum

Under the “From Tribes to People” proposal, all students would study a common curriculum that includes Hebrew, English, mathematics, civics, Torah, and Jewish and Zionist traditions.

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett speaks during an election event for the joint list “Together” ahead of the upcoming elections, in Haifa, June 2, 2026.

AI won't replace magicians, but it may reshape live entertainment - opinion

AI may not master sleight of hand anytime soon, but it could weaken the human desire to gather, watch, and wonder together

Creative director/magician Douglas "Lefty" Leferovich fans out a deck of cards before teaching magic tricks on Facebook Live with magician/comedian Murray SawChuck from SawChuck's home to entertain people under stay-at-home orders to fight the spread of the coronavirus on April 25, 2020 in Las Vegas

Israeli MK Akram Hasson launches caucus to build post-war normalization lane with Lebanon

He argues that Israel should begin speaking directly to Lebanese communities that may want stability, economic recovery, and freedom from Hezbollah’s control.

MK Akram Hasson attends a replacing ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem on November 10, 2024.

Paraguay marks independence day at its embassy in Jerusalem, deepening ties with Israel

Paraguay marked 215 years of independence at its embassy in Jerusalem, with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, lawmakers, diplomats, and community representatives in attendance.

MK Evgeny Sova and Ambassador Alejandro Rubin.

Israeli ministries move to block $4.2 billion sale of ZIM over security concerns

The opposition centers on a deal approved by ZIM shareholders at the end of April under which the company would be acquired for $4.2 billion, roughly $1 billion above its current market valuation.

Zim containers are stacked just outside Israel's port of Ashdod February 23, 2012

Twenty-two dead, dozens injured in crash involving Afghan returnees from Pakistan

Abdul Malik Niazi, a Taliban official, told The Media Line that “the accident occurred on the main highway linking Kabul with Nangarhar province. 

 Trucks transporting Afghan nationals, who were expelled from Pakistan, are parked as refugees wait for registration at the Omari refugee camp in Mohmand Dara, Torkham border, Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, April 15, 2025.

Israel’s mobility sector forecasts what inventions can actually deploy and when

Elon Musk praised Israel’s innovation, yet the Smart Mobility Summit’s focus kept returning to the hard problems of regulation, infrastructure, public trust, and moving on from the pilot stage.

Elon Musk

US judge orders Trump name removed from Kennedy Center, blocks closure for repairs

The order, issued by US District Judge Christopher Cooper on Friday, requires the administration to eliminate references to Trump from the center and its online presence within 14 days.

The newly added lettering for US President Donald Trump's name is displayed at the facade of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, US, December 19, 2025

Tom Barrack leaves Syria envoy role after steering post-Assad outreach

A Lebanese-American real estate billionaire and longtime ally of US President Donald Trump, Barrack chaired Trump’s 2017 inauguration committee before taking on diplomatic responsibilities. 

US SPECIAL ENVOY for Syria Tom Barrack speaks at a news conference in Damascus in September 2025.

Voices from the Arab press: Communication is not a prerogative

A weekly selection of opinions and analyses from the Arab media around the world.

A TEMPORARY ENCAMPMENT in Beirut, March 30.