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.

The fall of the Assad regime will have a substantial impact on Lebanese politics, highlighting border tensions, refugee challenges, and Hezbollah’s influence. Normalization with Damascus depends on Lebanon’s domestic politics,

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

Israel said its forces would remain in southern Lebanon past the 60-day withdrawal deadline set by a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah.

Photos released by Syrian media show assault rifles, RPGs and ammunition, in apparent second instance this month of authorities thwarting arms transfer

Any prolonged Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon could breathe new life into Hezbollah, a group that was founded to liberate Lebanon from Israeli occupation and has portrayed itself as the only force capable of protecting Lebanon’s borders,

The rebel offensive benefited from careful preparation and the support of Turkey, which occupies territory in Syria’s north and provided the only safe access route to Idlib, where HTS was based. Even so,

The UN's high commissioner for refugees called during a visit to Lebanon on Thursday for the "sustainable" return of Syrian refugees to their home country following the ouster of former president Bashar al-Assad.

An array of domestic and foreign powers are vying for influence in Lebanon, including the Lebanese Armed Forces, Hezbollah, Israel, Iran, Syria, and the United States.

Saudi Arabia's top diplomat said Friday the kingdom was seeking to help Syria's new authorities secure the lifting of international sanctions, during his first visit to Damascus since Bashar al-Assad's overthrow.

Almost 30% of the millions of Syrian refugees living in Middle Eastern countries want to return home in the next year, following the fall of