Washington is pressuring top Lebanese officials not to allow Hezbollah or its allies to nominate the country's next finance minister, five people with knowledge of the matter said, in an attempt to limit the Iran-backed group's sway over the state.

The rebel chief who led the overthrow of the longtime dictator Bashar al-Assad has been declared the head of government for a transitional period.

Analysts, however, said Salam and Aoun have a unique opportunity. The collapse of the al-Assad regime, a constant meddler in Lebanese affairs, the weakening of Iran and the willingness of the international community to provide foreign aid and backing to Lebanon’s new leaders mean there is support for a reform agenda that wasn’t previously there.

Qatar's Emir arrived in Damascus, marking his first visit to Syria since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad, Al Jazeera reported on Thursday. Reuters

Saudi Arabia's foreign minister visits Lebanon for the first time in 15 years, seeking reform commitments as the Gulf nation rebuilds influence while Iranian sway diminishes. The visit marks major political changes in Lebanon post-conflict and amidst financial turmoil.

Ahmad al-Sharaa, Syria's new strongman since December 8, has been appointed as the country's interim president. He has been tasked with forming a "temporary" legislative council, whose mandate will last throughout the "transition period." This phase's duration was not specified.

From Donald Trump being shot at a campaign rally to Bashar al-Assad's shock overthrow, Newsweek writers on the moment of 2024: plus have your say. "I believe there will be violent fighting ...

Trump’s nominee for director of intelligence said, under oath, that she was not aware “until today” that a prominent cleric she met in Syria threatened to unleash suicide bombers in the United States.

A cousin of the former Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad who was involved in suppressing the protests that started the 2011 uprising has been detained inside Syria, according to state news agency SANA.

After Abu Mohammed al-Julani was named interim president of Syria, dissolved the parliment, and suspended Syria's constitution, Katz announced that Israel will remain in Syrian territory.

Curt Mills Gabbard, who has a reputation as an outsider, looked like a seasoned political professional from the very start. Her opening line was a home run: She said she was motivated to be director of national intelligence because of the intelligence failures that led to the war in Iraq.

Trump’s pick for director of national intelligence had a particularly controversial trip to the Middle East that members of Hezbollah discussed.