English LCCC Newsbulletin For Lebanese, Lebanese Related, Global News & Editorials
For  February 12/2026
Compiled & Prepared by: Elias Bejjani
#elias_bejjani_news

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Bible Quotations For today
Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.
Luke 12/22-31: “Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? If then you are not able to do so small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you you of little faith! And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. For it is the nations of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.”

Titles For The Latest English LCCC Lebanese & Lebanese Related News & Editorials published on February 11-12/2026
Elias Bejjani: A Solemn Denunciation of the Tragic Crime in Tumbler Ridge, and an Urgent Call to Restore Family Values
Farewell, Regina Kantara.. The Knight of Sovereignty and Free Speech/Elias Bejjani/
Who Was Saint Maroun, After Whom the Maronite Church Is Named?/Elias Bejjani/
Video Link to an Interview with Tom Harb Director of the American Middle East Coalition for Democracy and Member of the U.S. Republican Party
Video link to a Commentary by journalist Ali Hamadeh: Information about a strike on Hezbollah in Lebanon paving the way for a strike on Iran!
Iranian Diplomats Allegedly Smuggled Millions in Cash to Hezbollah via Beirut
US issues "Do Not Travel" advisories for 21 countries, including Lebanon
Israeli tank advances toward hill near Aita al-Shaab
Court confirms decision to block prosecution of Tarek Bitar
Two-month deadline: IMF signals Lebanon's gold reserves could help depositors
Lebanon's President Aoun says fighting smuggling requires tackling corruption
Political deadlock deepens over Lebanon's election law—The latest
US Sanctions Target Alleged Hezbollah Gold Exchange
Village in Southern Lebanon Buries a Child and Father Killed in Israeli Drone Strike
Loss of Allies Forces Hezbollah to Tone Down Rhetoric Against the Lebanese State
La fête de saint Maron, l'icône et l'histoire/Charles Elias Chartouni
The Feast of Mar Maroun, the Icon and the History/Charles Elias Chartouni
Video/The message is the same: hope for peace with Lebanon. & Israel

Titles For The Latest English LCCC Miscellaneous Reports And News published on February 11-12/2026
Trump Meets Netanyahu, with US-Iran Nuclear Diplomacy Topping Agenda
Iran President Says Will Not ‘Give in to Excessive Demands’
Qatar Emir, Trump Discuss De-escalation as Larijani Heads to Doha
US assurances: Israel's Netanyahu flags Iran ballistic missile danger
Iran Says Ready for Inspections to Prove It Isn’t Seeking Nuclear Weapons
Israeli Defense Officials: Hundreds of Iranian Cyberattacks Thwarted in Recent Months
US Forces Withdraw From Syria's Al-Tanf Base: Syrian Military Sources
UN Agency Begins Clearing Huge Gaza City Waste Dump as Health Risks Mount
Israel Says Killed Hamas Operative Responsible for 2004 Bus Bombings
10 dead, including female suspect, in 'devastating' shootings at B.C. school and home
Deadly B.C. shooting is one of Canada's worst school shootings

Titles For The Latest English LCCC analysis & editorials from miscellaneous sources published on February 11-12/2026
What Does Tomorrow Hold? Will Sunni Extremism end along with Shia Extremism?/Colonel Charbel Barakat
Welcome to the 'EUSSR': Unpopular European Regimes Grasping for Power Crack Down on Dissent/Robert Williams/Gatestone Institute
The Red Lines/Jumah Boukleb/Asharq Al-Awsat
Integration not isolation the best way forward for Syria/Hani Hazaimeh//Arab News
Epstein saga hits Starmer hard, but he should not resign/Mohamed Chebaro/Arab News
Saudi Arabia, Turkiye seek broader cooperation to ease regional crises/Hassan Al-Mustafa/Arab News
X Platform Selected twittes for 11/2026

The Latest English LCCC Lebanese & Lebanese Related News & Editorials published on February 11-12/2026
Elias Bejjani: A Solemn Denunciation of the Tragic Crime in Tumbler Ridge, and an Urgent Call to Restore Family Values
Elias Bejjani/February 11, 2026
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/2026/02/152050/
My heart is consumed by a bitter combination of anger and profound sorrow; my soul aches for the ten lives stolen and the families shattered by this senseless massacre in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. I am shaken to my core by the horrific news of the shootings at a local home and at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. To see one of Canada’s worst mass shootings unfold in such a small, tight-knit community—targeting innocent students and residents—leaves me, and all of Canada, reeling in a state of absolute pain and disbelief.
What happened today is a true tragedy and a painful human disaster that cannot be justified or ignored. To target children in their place of learning and families in their homes is a direct attack on the most sacred pillars of any society: human life, the family, and community safety.
In these dark moments, I offer my deepest condolences to the families of the victims. I express my unwavering solidarity with the people of Tumbler Ridge and with all Canadians who have been traumatized by this terrible event.
Such crimes call us to reflect on the foundations upon which society is built. The healthy family, founded on a man and a woman, is the cornerstone of a stable and balanced community. When families fall apart, confusion and loss increase, and many young people grow up without guidance, protection, or clear moral direction. This often leads to the social struggles and instability we see affecting many Canadians today.
Preserving and strengthening family unity must be a national priority. The government must return to protecting the natural definition of the family and stop redefining or reshaping it in ways that contradict the timeless moral and human values upon which strong societies are built.
I also affirm that the vast majority of the Canadian people stand with family values and believe in preserving the moral and cultural identity of their society. No political movement—especially the ideological left—should impose its belief-driven concepts on the broader population. Canada was built on pluralism and respect for differing opinions, not on ideological imposition. Confronting violence requires not only security measures, but also a return to values, to strong families, to sound moral upbringing, and to shared ethical responsibility.
Prayer for the Repose of the Souls of the Victims
O Lord God, Giver of Life and Shepherd of souls, We lift up to You our prayers for those who have departed suddenly from this world in Tumbler Ridge. Grant them, O Lord, rest in Your heavenly Kingdom. Receive them into the light of Your presence, Where there is no pain, no sorrow, and no suffering, But everlasting life.
Comfort their families and loved ones. Wipe away the tears of every broken heart. Grant healing—both physical and emotional—to the dozens wounded in this attack. Send Your peace upon this town and upon all of Canada. Lord of Peace, protect the children of this nation. Strengthen families in love and unity. Remove from us the spirit of violence and hatred, And fill us instead with mercy, justice, and truth. For Yours is the glory forever. Amen. May God rest the souls of the victims, heal the injured, and protect Canada from all harm.
*The author, Elias Bejjani, is A Canadian Lebanese Human Rights activist
Author’s Email: Phoenicia@hotmail.com
Author’s Website: https://eliasbejjaninews.com

Farewell, Regina Kantara.. The Knight of Sovereignty and Free Speech
Elias Bejjani/February 08/2026
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/2026/02/151966/
In a sudden moment of time, the knight has dismounted from the saddle of her struggle. Advocate Regina Kantara has departed, leaving behind a legacy of dignity that absence can never erase. Regina was not merely a lawyer carrying case files; she carried the cause of a nation in her heart, defending its soil in every arena of the struggle for freedom, sovereignty, and independence.
Regina has left this fleeting world to walk the paths of light toward the heavenly dwellings, where there is no pain or sorrow, but an eternal peace befitting a soul weary from the longing for absolute justice.
We bid her farewell with hearts faithful to the words: “The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”

Who Was Saint Maroun, After Whom the Maronite Church Is Named?
Elias Bejjani/February 09/2026 
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/2026/02/95781/
The Feast of Saint Maroun
For more than 1,600 years, Maronites in Lebanon and throughout the world have celebrated the annual commemoration of Saint Maroun on the ninth of February. Each year, over ten million Maronites honor the founder of their Christian Catholic Church—Maroun the priest, the hermit, the spiritual father, the leader, and the saint. On this sacred day, Maronites remember their long and often painful history since the fourth century, reflecting on both times of suffering and moments of triumph. They look back at the past, assess the present, and contemplate the future. Above all, they pray for peace, democracy, and freedom in Lebanon—their homeland—and across the world.
The Origins of Saint Maroun
Who was Saint Maroun? How did he establish his spiritual movement? Where did he live, and who are the people who carry his name? According to the late Lebanese philosopher and historian Fouad Afram Al-Bustani, Saint Maroun was born and raised in the city of Kouroch. This city lies northeast of Antioch (present-day Turkey) and northwest of Hierapolis (Manbij), the capital of Euphrates Syria. Kouroch still exists today, located about 15 kilometers northwest of the city of Azaz and roughly 70 kilometers north of Aleppo in Syria.
The Hermit of Mount Semaan
Historians Father Boutrous Daou and Fouad Afram Bustani recount that Maroun chose to live on Mount Semaan—formerly known as Mount Nabo, named after the pagan god Nabo. Geographically, the mountain lies between Antioch and Aleppo. At the time, it was completely abandoned and desolate.
The ruins of an ancient pagan temple on the mountain attracted Maroun. After purifying the site, he used the structure only for celebrating Mass and offering the Holy Eucharist, while spending the rest of his life outdoors. He devoted himself entirely to prayer, fasting, and extreme asceticism, depriving his body of all comfort and exposing himself to sun, rain, hail, and snow. His holiness, faith, and miraculous healing powers soon became widely known. Thousands of believers sought him for guidance, healing, and spiritual counsel. Saint Maroun was also a learned and compelling preacher, unwavering in his belief in Christ and Christianity.
A Mystic and Spiritual Reformer
Saint Maroun was a mystic who pioneered a unique ascetic and spiritual path that attracted followers from across the Antiochian Empire. As a zealous missionary, he sought not only to heal physical ailments but also to restore the souls of pagans and Christians alike. His reputation reached great heights. Around 405 AD, Saint John Chrysostom sent him a letter expressing deep admiration and asking for his prayers. Saint Maroun’s spirituality was profoundly monastic and holistic. He saw no separation between the physical and spiritual worlds, using the material world as a means to deepen his union with God. Through prayer and solitude, he transcended physical suffering and entered into an intimate, mystical relationship with the Creator. His spiritual magnetism drew hundreds of monks and priests who became his disciples and devoted followers.
The Spread of the Maronite Mission
After Saint Maroun’s death, his disciples spread the Gospel throughout the Antiochian Empire—modern-day Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq, Jordan, and Israel. They built hundreds of churches, monasteries, and schools, becoming known for their faith, devotion, and perseverance. Saint Maroun died peacefully around the year 410 AD at the age of seventy, surrounded by his disciples. He wished to be buried beside his spiritual mentor, the monk Zabena, in the town of Kena near Kouroch. However, this wish was not fulfilled. Residents of a nearby town took his body, buried it there, and built a grand church over his grave, which became a major Christian shrine for centuries. Its ruins still stand today.
Persecution and the Rise of the Maronite Nation
Following his death, Saint Maroun’s disciples built a major monastery near the Orontes River (Nahr Al-Assi) along the Syrian-Lebanese border. For centuries, this monastery stood as a beacon of faith, education, holiness, and martyrdom. In the early tenth century, during one of the most brutal periods of Christian persecution, the monastery was destroyed, and more than 300 Maronite priests were massacred. The surviving monks fled to the mountains of Lebanon. There, together with the Marada and the native Lebanese population, they laid the foundations of the Maronite nation, transforming Lebanon’s mountains into a stronghold of faith, endurance, and resistance.
Saint Maroun and Lebanon
The Maronite presence in Lebanon began early, particularly through Saint Maroun’s disciple Abraham of Cyrrhus, known as the Apostle of Lebanon. Recognizing the persistence of paganism in the region, Abraham worked to convert the population to Christianity by spreading Saint Maroun’s teachings.
Saint Maroun is thus regarded as the father of the spiritual and monastic movement that became the Maronite Church. This movement profoundly influenced northern Syria, Lebanon, Cyprus, and eventually many countries worldwide where Maronites settled. Today, the largest Maronite community outside Lebanon is in Brazil, home to more than six million Lebanese descendants following major waves of emigration in the early twentieth century.
The Maronite Identity
The renowned historian Fouad Afram Boustani (1904–1994) described the Maronite faith as one of intelligence, life-affirmation, unwavering Catholic belief, love for others, continuous struggle for righteousness, openness to all civilizations, and readiness for martyrdom. The Maronites played a central role in establishing the modern state of Lebanon, making it a refuge for persecuted minorities in the Middle East. They embraced and practiced pluralism and multiculturalism, helping create Lebanon’s unique national identity. Since the fourth century, the Maronites and Lebanon have been inseparable—each defining the other. Throughout history, the Maronite people transformed defeat into victory, sorrow into joy, and despair into hope. Through faith, sacrifice, and perseverance, they fulfilled the four pillars of nationhood: land, people, civilization, and political independence. They have always fought for their rights and never surrendered to despair.
Prayer to Saint Maron
O Saint Maron, man of prayer, sacrifice, and freedom, intercede for us before God. Pray for Lebanon,
wounded and occupied, that it may be healed from its pain and freed from injustice, corruption, and fear.
O spiritual father of the Maronites, lead your people back to your faith, to the values of holiness, truth, courage, and fidelity, to love of Christ and devotion to Lebanon. Pray for peace in our troubled world,
for all who suffer and are oppressed, that light may overcome darkness, truth overcome falsehood,
and hope overcome despair. Through your intercession, O Saint Maron, protect Lebanon and its people, and strengthen our faith. Amen.

Video link To an Interview with writer and political analyst Elias Zoghbi From Voice Of Lebanon/
Hezbollah cannot continue pursuing the same path of denial and self-destruction while the Iranian regime resumes its rounds of negotiations with the U.S. administration & what is the wisdom behind clinging to and keeping its weapons other than letting them rust or throwing them away as scrap metal?
Sawt Lebanon – February 11, 2026
**
Elias Zoghbi: Berri has an “undeclared desire” to postpone parliamentary elections for two consecutive years — and the fate of Hezbollah’s weapons is “rust and scrap metal.”
Sawt Lebanon – February 11, 2026
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/2026/02/152031/
Writer and political analyst Elias Zoghbi revealed, in an interview on the program “Al-Haki bil-Siyasa” (Talking Politics) on Sawt Lebanon and VDL24, an undeclared desire by Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri to postpone the parliamentary elections for two consecutive years. He noted Berri’s ability to devise solutions and settlements and to “pull rabbits out of a hat,” benefiting from the impact of Hezbollah’s weapons to absorb some of the political vitality of other Lebanese components.
He pointed out that Lebanon stands at a decisive crossroads, implicitly linked to the involvement of surrounding countries in determining the course of the peace process or the outbreak of a potential war and further related complications. He hinted at the current ruling authorities’ policy of accommodating and containing Hezbollah’s leadership and its environment, currently described as “aggrieved and burdened with calamities and disasters” resulting from what he characterized as the party’s stubborn and illogical conduct on the ground.
Accordingly, Zoghbi argued that Hezbollah cannot continue along the same path of denial and self-destruction while the Iranian regime — “the carpet weaver” — resumes negotiations with the U.S. administration, which is imposing a set of tough conditions, such as reducing uranium enrichment levels to 20% for civilian purposes only, transferring it to a third country, putting a definitive end to its long-range ballistic missile program, and halting funding for its arms in Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen.
If the ruling authority in Tehran does not comply, the contours of an inevitable military confrontation with Washington and Tel Aviv will emerge, despite the contradiction between its nuclear objectives and its ideological doctrines.
Implicitly, according to Zoghbi, what is required is a change at the head of the Iranian regime that would effectively dismantle and empty its religious content, and reset and reprogram its foundations and general performance. He also stressed European insistence on a fundamental resolution of the missile and security-arms files of Tehran, warning that overlooking this issue would steer the region toward a serious confrontation.
Returning to the Lebanese scene, Zoghbi linked the path toward holding the conference to support the Lebanese Army and the state, scheduled for March 5, to the ability of the local official authorities to accomplish it in the coming weeks. This comes amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s attempt to remove obstacles to consolidating the equation of “America supreme above all,” confirming that the Middle East stands on the brink of an imposed phase from which there will be no turning back.
In the same context, Zoghbi questioned the wisdom behind Hezbollah’s insistence on keeping its weapons, asking what purpose they serve other than to rust or be discarded as scrap metal. He stressed the necessity of extending the effects of restricting Hezbollah’s weapons from south of the Litani River to its north, which, after a year, would positively reflect on the launch and performance of the new presidential term.
He affirmed that the Taif Agreement does not contain any explicit legislative provision recognizing “resistance” as an armed entity, limiting it instead to political, diplomatic, cultural, and strategic security measures. He accused Hezbollah of implementing the provisions of the agreement “according to its own taste and in line with its private interests,” imposing interpretations on the constitution that are not stipulated, relying on the blind cover of the Mar Mikhael Agreement to justify its mechanism and describing it as “the most sacred and honorable means.”
In a related development, Zoghbi spoke of Speaker Nabih Berri’s attempt to contain the devastating aftermath of Hezbollah’s recent war without provoking any confrontation with its leadership, especially as a new dynamic is emerging within the Shiite community that may loosen the party’s absolute grip. He noted the embarrassment of President Berri — who may be described as the “benevolent father” of Lebanon’s Shiites and their rescuer from the impasse and disasters of destruction and displacement with very negative repercussions.
He concluded by pointing to temporary ambiguity surrounding the country’s electoral scene, where the primary objective is to secure a parliamentary majority that would ensure the election of a new Speaker of Parliament and lay the groundwork for forming a new government.

Video Link to an Interview with Tom Harb Director of the American Middle East Coalition for Democracy and Member of the U.S. Republican Party
In this interview, Harb reveals the reasons behind the failure of the Lebanese Army Commander’s visit to the United States, discusses the double standards of Saudi Arabia and certain Arab nations regarding a war on Iran, and confirms that Ahmed al-Sharaa (Jolani) has no military role in Lebanon.
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/2026/02/152024/
Source: El Haweyah Platform
Interviewer: Journalist Abdul Rahman Darnaka
Date: February 11, 2026
Key Topics Discussed by Tom Harb:
The Delegation’s Fatal Mistake
Tom Harb emphasized that the Lebanese Army Commander made a grave error by including Brigadier General Suhail Harb in his delegation, describing him as a “leaker of information to Hezbollah.” He noted that the presence of an individual with such intelligence red flags at the Pentagon raised serious questions about how sensitive military plans could be shared in his presence.
Clash with Senator Lindsey Graham
Harb explained that Lebanese leaders have yet to grasp the weight and influence of Senator Lindsey Graham within the new administration. He stated that Graham walked out of the meeting and sent his staff to inform the Army Commander that the session was over, after the Commander claimed that “Hezbollah is not a terrorist organization.”
Loss of Trust
Harb indicated that trust between U.S. lawmakers and the Lebanese Army leadership has been severely shaken. This fallout could lead to a significant reduction in military aid, potentially dropping from $300 million to $100 million or less.
Stance on the Army, Al-Sharaa, and the War on Iran:
urging the Army: Tom Harb stressed that the current priority is to “cleanse Yarzeh” (the Army Headquarters) of Hezbollah collaborators and replace the current leadership to restore international confidence. He mentioned that the U.S. administration sees changing the “top of the pyramid” as essential to saving the military institution.
Arab Double Standards: Harb criticized the positions of some Arab countries (such as Saudi Arabia), describing them as “hypocritical.” He noted that while they previously urged the U.S. to get rid of the Iranian regime, they are now attempting to de-escalate or protect the regime as the prospect of military strikes under the Trump administration nears. He referenced White House leaks regarding meetings with Saudi officials that highlight this contradiction.
The Role of Ahmed al-Sharaa (Jolani): Harb denied any military or political role for Ahmed al-Sharaa in Lebanon. He categorized the reports published by Al-Akhbar newspaper regarding Al-Sharaa’s “revenge” against Hezbollah as mere “propaganda” promoted by the party to justify retaining its arsenal under the pretext of protecting Lebanon from terrorism.
War on Iran: He stated that Trump is negotiating with Iran from a position of strength. Requirements include the “dismantling of the Revolutionary Guard” and ending regional influence; otherwise, the military option or supporting internal regime change (the Venezuela model) remains on the table.
Conclusion: Harb confirmed that Washington no longer welcomes the current military leadership in Lebanon and that there is a clear trend toward conditioning future aid on radical changes within the Army’s structure.

Video link to a Commentary by journalist Ali Hamadeh: Information about a strike on Hezbollah in Lebanon paving the way for a strike on Iran!
February 11, 2026
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-HCHGOgdIA
A meeting at the White House did not lead to a final outcome regarding Iran. Orders have been issued for a second aircraft carrier strike group to prepare to head to the region.
Information indicates a strike on Hezbollah in Lebanon that would pave the way for a strike on Iran.
A three-hour meeting took place at the White House between President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during which the principles of negotiations and the possibility of their collapse were discussed.
President Trump insisted on continuing negotiations to explore the possibility of reaching an agreement.
Israel did not oppose Trump’s desire to negotiate, but Netanyahu insisted on a strong agreement with no open-ended timeframe regarding the nuclear issue, ensuring that Iran never obtains a nuclear bomb.
Western diplomatic estimates in Beirut suggest that a strike is more likely than a deal.
Diplomatic sources estimate that if Israel carries out a strike on Iran, it would be preceded by a strike on Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Iranian Diplomats Allegedly Smuggled Millions in Cash to Hezbollah via Beirut
This is Beirut/February 11/2026
Iranian diplomats used diplomatic passports to ferry large sums of U.S. dollars to Lebanon in recent months, allegedly channeling cash directly to Hezbollah as the group struggles to recover from heavy military and financial losses, according to an investigation published by Iran International. The outlet reported that at least six senior Iranian officials transported suitcases filled with cash on commercial flights to Beirut, exploiting diplomatic immunity to bypass airport inspections. The transfers were aimed at replenishing Hezbollah’s finances after Israeli strikes severely degraded its leadership structure, weapons stockpiles, and funding networks. Among those allegedly involved are veteran Iranian diplomats Mohammad Ebrahim Taherianfard and Mohammad Reza Shirkhodaei and his brother Hamidreza, as well as Reza Nedaei, Abbas Asgari, and Amir-Hamzeh Shiranirad, a former Iranian embassy employee in Canada. Iran International said Taherianfard traveled to Beirut in January alongside Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, carrying a suitcase packed with dollars. Similar methods were reportedly used on multiple trips, with couriers arriving through Beirut’s Rafik Hariri International Airport. The investigation also alleges that Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, brought hundreds of millions of dollars in cash during a visit to Beirut in October. If confirmed, the cash transfers detailed by Iran International would underscore Tehran’s readiness to deploy diplomatic channels to preserve Hezbollah’s operational capacity, even as international pressure mounts and regional tensions remain high.
Beirut Airport Emerges as Key Cash Corridor
According to the report, Beirut airport became a primary route for direct cash deliveries after Israeli operations disrupted weapons and money-smuggling channels previously run by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps through Syria.
Hezbollah has historically wielded influence over security structures at the airport, facilitating discreet transfers. While Lebanese authorities have recently tightened controls, Iran International said the cash shipments continued as Hezbollah faced mounting liquidity problems. The group has reportedly struggled to pay fighters and finance reconstruction in southern Lebanon, where widespread destruction has left rebuilding costs estimated in the billions of dollars. The claims echo earlier reporting by The Wall Street Journal, which in January 2025 cited Israeli accusations that Iran was funneling tens of millions of dollars in cash to Hezbollah via Beirut, often using diplomatic couriers carrying suitcases stuffed with U.S. currency. Israel lodged formal complaints with a U.S.-led ceasefire oversight mechanism at the time, while Tehran, Ankara, and Hezbollah denied the allegations. That report noted that tighter scrutiny at Beirut airport and the disruption of overland routes through Syria had made direct air transfers increasingly central to Hezbollah’s financing.
U.S. Sanctions Target Hezbollah Funding Networks
The latest revelations come as Washington intensifies efforts to choke off Hezbollah’s financial lifelines. On Tuesday, the United States Department of the Treasury announced new sanctions targeting what it described as core mechanisms used by Hezbollah to sustain its operations, including coordination with Iran and exploitation of Lebanon’s informal cash economy. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control designated Jood SARL, a Lebanese gold exchange operating under the supervision of U.S.-designated Al-Qard Al-Hassan, a Hezbollah-linked financial institution. U.S. officials said the company helps convert Hezbollah’s gold reserves into usable funds and ease the group’s liquidity pressures. OFAC also sanctioned an international procurement and commodities network allegedly run by Hezbollah financiers across several jurisdictions, including Iran. “Hezbollah is a threat to peace and stability in the Middle East,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, pledging continued efforts to cut the group off from the global financial system.
A Longstanding Strategic Partnership
For decades, Iran has treated Hezbollah as a cornerstone of its regional alliance structure, providing sustained military, logistical, and financial backing. Western and Israeli officials say that support has intensified whenever the group suffers battlefield setbacks or funding disruptions. For Hezbollah, battered militarily and financially, the alleged influx of hard currency could prove critical. For Iran, it highlights the strategic priority placed on maintaining its proxy at a moment of growing confrontation with Israel and the United States.

US issues "Do Not Travel" advisories for 21 countries, including Lebanon
LBCI/February 11/2026
The U.S. Department of State has issued Level 4 travel advisories—the highest warning—for 21 countries, due to significant security risks and limited ability for U.S. assistance. According to the State Department's official travel advisory list, a Level 4 advisory means individuals should not travel to these destinations under any circumstances, as they pose life-threatening risks, including armed conflict, terrorism, kidnapping, civil unrest, wrongful detention, or other serious safety concerns. Countries currently designated as Level 4: Do Not Travel include: Afghanistan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Burma (Myanmar), Central African Republic, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Niger, North Korea, Russia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, Venezuela, Yemen.

Israeli tank advances toward hill near Aita al-Shaab
LBCI/February 11/2026
An Israeli Merkava tank reportedly advanced toward a hill on the outskirts of the southern Lebanese town of Aita al-Shaab, local sources said Wednesday.

Court confirms decision to block prosecution of Tarek Bitar
LBCI/February 11/2026
The indictment chamber handling the criminal case against investigative judge Tarek Bitar issued a ruling confirming the decision to bar prosecution previously issued by Judge Habib Rizkallah. The chamber, headed by Judge Elias Eid and composed of advisers Pierre Francis and Rabih Hassami, based its decision on the reasoning provided by Judge Rizkallah as well as its own legal justification. The chamber rejected on procedural grounds the appeal filed by Former Lebanese customs chief Badri Daher, but it accepted the procedural aspect of the appeal submitted by former minister Ali Hassan Khalil and rejected it on its merits.

Two-month deadline: IMF signals Lebanon's gold reserves could help depositors
LBCI/February 11/2026
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has indicated that Lebanon's central bank gold reserves could potentially be used as a solution to repay depositors, marking the first time the issue has been raised in the fund's discussions with Lebanese officials.
According to sources familiar with the talks, the IMF was quoted as saying that using the gold "may be a solution," in what sources described as a new level of flexibility on one of Lebanon's most sensitive financial files. However, the fund did not provide details on how the gold could be used—whether through sale, pledge, leasing, or other mechanisms—and noted that any decision remains with the Lebanese state.  Lebanon currently has a law that prevents the disposal of the central bank's gold reserves in any form. Sources also said the IMF showed more openness toward the government's plan to repay a maximum of $100,000 in cash to each depositor, based on the total value of a depositor's accounts across the banking sector rather than per bank.Under that approach, a depositor with $300,000 spread across three banks would receive $100,000, not $300,000. The IMF had previously pushed for a per-bank calculation, which would have allowed depositors to recover larger amounts. Despite the flexibility, the fund remains firm on a key point: rejecting any additional financial burdens on the Lebanese state. The IMF is insisting on a clear solution to the unresolved debt relationship between the government and the Banque du Liban (BDL). As part of that process, the IMF has called for a full reassessment of BDL's assets and liabilities, including its gold holdings. The fund has requested that the gold be valued on the central bank's books at an average price from the previous year rather than the current market price, to stabilize figures and align with international standards. The IMF also requested an evaluation of the banking sector, followed by efforts to identify illicit funds linked to corruption and financial misconduct, including profits derived from excessive interest rates and the settlement of debts at the former official exchange rate of LBP 1,500 to $1. The delegation has reportedly given Lebanon a two-month deadline to address these points, a step that would pave the way for a preliminary agreement with the IMF before it is submitted for approval by the fund's executive board, expected between May and June.

Lebanon's President Aoun says fighting smuggling requires tackling corruption
LBCI/February 11/2026
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said smuggling cannot be effectively combated without also fighting corruption and applying transparency and accountability without exception. Aoun stressed that adopting modern technology, including scanners and tracking systems, is essential to strengthening oversight. The president's remarks came during a meeting with the head of the Higher Customs Council, Brig. Gen. Mesbah Khalil, council members Charbel Khalil and Louay al-Hajj Chehade, and Director General of Customs Gracia Azzi. Aoun was briefed on customs operations and the needs required to develop the sector and strengthen both human and material resources to improve performance and effectiveness.

Political deadlock deepens over Lebanon's election law—The latest
LBCI/February 11/2026
Lebanon's political divisions over the country's parliamentary election law have deepened, with a growing risk that the May 10 vote could face legal challenges or even be postponed. Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri is not expected to call for a legislative session to amend the election law or to suspend the implementation of Articles 84, 112, and 122, which relate to the use of the magnetic voting card and the allocation of six seats for Lebanese citizens living abroad. In parallel, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam's government has refused to issue the implementing decrees needed to distribute the six expatriate seats across the world's six continents. The government has insisted that the so-called "16th electoral district," designed specifically for non-resident Lebanese voters, is not workable. The standoff between parliament and the cabinet has left little room for an amendment that would shield the electoral process from an appeal before the Constitutional Council. As the prospects for revising the law have narrowed, political forces have pointed to an advisory opinion issued by the Justice Ministry's Legislation and Consultations Commission in February 2018, framing it as a justification for proceeding despite the failure to implement key provisions. The advisory opinion was issued in response to a question on whether parliamentary elections could be held without suspending Article 84, which requires the adoption of a magnetic voting card. The commission concluded that the card was not an essential requirement for holding elections and that citizens could not be deprived of their constitutional right to vote or run for office because the government failed to adopt the electronic system.
However, the opinion is non-binding and contradicts the election law, according to a former head of Lebanon's Constitutional Council. The same legal concern applies to holding elections without suspending the provisions related to the expatriate electoral district, which would also violate the law. With no clear path toward suspending or amending the contested articles, discussions have increasingly shifted behind the scenes toward the possibility of extending parliament's mandate. In that context, MP Adib Abdel Massih's proposal to extend parliament's term until May 31, 2027, has drawn attention, with political observers suggesting it may reflect coordination or a broader political mood that could undermine the chances of holding the elections on time.

US Sanctions Target Alleged Hezbollah Gold Exchange
Asharq Al-Awsat/February 11/2026
The United States on Tuesday imposed sanctions against a gold exchange it said facilitates Iranian financial support to Lebanon’s Hezbollah. The Treasury Department said the targeted gold exchange was part of Al-Qard al-Hassan, a Hezbollah financial institution already under US sanctions and whose branches were bombed by Israel in 2024 strikes. "Hezbollah is a threat to peace and stability in the Middle East," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement. "Treasury will work to cut these terrorists off from the global financial system to give Lebanon a chance to be peaceful and prosperous again."The Treasury Department imposed sanctions on the gold exchange, Jood Sarl, which it said "masquerades as a non-governmental organization" and is used to ensure Hezbollah's cash flow from Iran. It also said it was imposing sanctions on a number of individuals or entities, including a Russian national, for working on Hezbollah's finances.The sanctions freeze any assets in the United States and make financial transactions with the listed entities a crime. Israel struck a major blow against Hezbollah in the 2024 war, killing its longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah, a year after Hamas, another group backed by Iran, carried out a devastating attack against Israel. In accordance with a truce, the Lebanese army said it had disarmed Hezbollah in an area close to the Israeli border. But Hezbollah has refused to surrender further arms and Israel says progress is insufficient, keeping up periodic attacks.

Village in Southern Lebanon Buries a Child and Father Killed in Israeli Drone Strike
Asharq Al-Awsat/February 11/2026
Mourners in southern Lebanon on Tuesday buried a father and his young son killed in an Israeli drone strike that targeted a Hezbollah member. Hassan Jaber, a police officer, and his child, Ali, were on foot when the strike on Monday hit a passing car in the center of their town, Yanouh, relatives said. Lebanon's health ministry said the boy was 3 years old. Both were killed at the scene along with the car driver, Ahmad Salami, who the Israeli military said in a statement was an artillery official with the Lebanese armed group.
It said it was aware of a “claim that uninvolved civilians were killed” and that the case is under review, adding it “makes every effort to reduce the likelihood of harm” to civilians.Salami, also from Yanouh, was buried in the village Tuesday along with the father and son. “There are always people here, it’s a crowded area,” with coffee shops and corner stores, a Shiite religious gathering hall, the municipality building and a civil defense center, a cousin of the boy’s father, also named Hassan Jaber, told The Associated Press. When the boy and his father were struck, he said, they were going to a bakery making Lebanese breakfast flatbread known as manakish to see how it was made. They were standing only about 5 meters (5.5 yards) from the car when it was struck, the cousin said. “It is not new for the Israeli enemy to carry out such actions,” he said. “There was a car they wanted to hit and they struck it in the middle of this crowded place.”Jaber said the little boy, Ali, had not yet entered school but “showed signs of unusual intelligence.”“What did this innocent child do wrong, this angel?” asked Ghazaleh Haider, the wife of the boy’s uncle. “Was he a fighter?”Attendees at the funeral carried photos of Ali, a striking child with large green eyes and blond hair. Some also carried flags of Hezbollah or of its ally, the Amal party. Lebanon’s Internal Security Forces, of which the child’s father was a member, said in a statement that the 37-year-old father of three had joined in 2013 and reached the rank of first sergeant. The strike came as Israel has stepped up its campaign against Hezbollah and its allies in Lebanon. The night before the strike in Yanouh, Israeli forces launched a rare ground raid in the Lebanese village of Hebbarieh, several kilometers from the border, in which they seized a local official with the Jamaa al-Islamiya group. The group is allied with Hezbollah and the Palestinian group Hamas.After the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel triggered war in Gaza, Hezbollah began firing rockets from Lebanon into Israel in support of Hamas and the Palestinians. Israel responded with airstrikes and shelling. The low-level conflict escalated into full-scale war in September 2024, later reined in but not fully stopped by a US-brokered ceasefire two months later. Since then, Israel has accused Hezbollah of trying to rebuild and has carried out near-daily strikes in Lebanon that it says target Hezbollah members and facilities. Israeli forces also continue to occupy five hilltop points on the Lebanese side of the border. Hezbollah has claimed one strike against Israel since the ceasefire.

Loss of Allies Forces Hezbollah to Tone Down Rhetoric Against the Lebanese State
Beirut: Caroline Akoum/Asharq Al-Awsat/February 11/2026
Hezbollah has shifted position in Lebanon from open confrontation with the state to “managing” its differences with it as it starts to realize that keeping up its defiant approach has cost it its allies. Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem made conciliatory statements on Monday, marking a shift in tone that in recent months had been sharply critical of the president and government. Over the weekend, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam carried out a historic two-day tour of the South, a Hezbollah stronghold, where he was warmly welcomed across political divides, especially among Hezbollah supporters. The visit itself would not have been possible without a green light from Hezbollah’s leadership. Qassem even described the tour as “positive”, adding that disputes with President Joseph Aoun were being “managed.” Hezbollah's shift in tone cannot be separated from the ongoing regional tensions between its main backer Iran and the United States. However, even when the party had intensified its criticism of the state, on the ground, the Lebanese army succeeded in completing the first phase of the government’s plan to impose state monopoly over arms. Opponents of the group explained that the heated rhetoric was largely aimed at rallying Hezbollah supporters around the party, which is in crisis in wake of the major blows Israel dealt it during the 2024 war and the ongoing pressure on it to disarm as regional balances of power continue to change.Ministerial sources close to the presidency described Hezbollah’s recent stances as “positive” and “realistic” given that it lacks other options. This handout picture released by the Lebanese Government Press Office shows Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam being showered with confetti as he is received by locals during a tour in the heavily-damaged southern village of Dhayra near the border with Israel on February 7, 2026. (Lebanese Government Press Office / AFP)
They told Asharq Al-Awsat, however, that “nothing in politics is free” and so it remains to be seen what Hezbollah wants in return of its change in position.
Moreover, they noted that the change is aimed at Hezbollah supporters, who are still reeling from the war and demanding reconstruction of areas destroyed by Israel in the war, which is another issue that is weighing heavily on the party.
Hezbollah has effectively realized that maintaining a critical position against the president will be costly for it and its support base, explained the sources.
Adapting to the new reality
Former Minister Rashid Derbas said Qassem’s “conciliatory” statements stand in contrast with his previous stances. He told Asharq Al-Awsat: “The warm welcome received by the PM in the South aims to demonstrate to Hezbollah’s support base that the state does embrace them and there is nothing wrong with that. On the contrary, it is in their best interest given the current reality.”“Hezbollah is realizing that it is now without friends or allies inside Lebanon and beyond because balances of power are changing due to the tensions between Iran and the US that could lead to war,” he added. “So, Hezbollah is adapting to this reality,” Derbas went on to say. “Two states can no longer exist within one. This situation needs to be rectified, especially in wake of all the tragedies Hezbollah’s support base has endured. The base is already frustrated and starting to realize that maintaining a defiant tone will not lead anywhere.” Given the pressure, shift in position and regional tensions, the real countdown for Hezbollah’s disarmament has effectively begun, stressed Derbas. “The weapons are slowly losing their role, while their regional missions have come to an end,” he added.

La fête de saint Maron, l'icône et l'histoire
Charles Elias Chartouni/1 février 2026
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/2026/02/152044/
La célébration de la fête de Mar Maroun fait partie de l'imaginaire national depuis la création du Grand Liban (1920), où l'Église maronite et la France ont joué un rôle déterminant dans son établissement. Le Liban est la seule société moyen-orientale à casser la norme de la dhimmitude qui a scellé, depuis 632, la mort civilisationnelle et civique du christianisme oriental. Nous sommes face à une coupure existentielle et épistémologique qui départage l’histoire des Églises et communautés chrétiennes du Moyen-Orient entre un avant et un après l’islam, on n’a pas affaire à la même épistémè au sens foucaldien.
La figure éponyme de Mar Maroun (anachorète du IVᵉ siècle ayant vécu dans la région de Cyr-montagnes du Taurus, décédé en 410) fut à l’origine d’une école de spiritualité ascétique (Außerweltliche Askese/Ascèse extramondaine, Max Weber). Cette dernière impulsa la création d’une communauté monastique connue sous le nom de Beth Moroun en 451, 41 ans après la mort présumée de son maître spirituel. Les recherches historiques nous apprennent à distinguer entre deux dates, celle de la naissance de la communauté monastique en 451 et celle de l’Église structurée en patriarcat entre 745-746, à la suite de la vacance prolongée du siège d’Antioche (609-742) occasionnée par la conquête musulmane. L’émergence de l’Église maronite se laisse sociologiquement interpréter comme un phénomène messianique de rejet de la domination musulmane qui a succédé à la conquête de la Syrie première (Syria Prima) en 632, le nativisme anti-islamique étant un trait distinctif de la sensibilité “politique” au sein des chrétientés syriaques de l’époque (Jean Maurice Fiey) dans les espaces mésopotamien, cananéen et phénicien.
Le sécessionnisme proto-politique des maronites est loin d’être un phénomène récent, il s’agit d’une conscience originaire qui nous aide à comprendre le paradoxe d’une Église monastique, basée sur une tradition d’ascèse extra-mondaine et quiétiste, qui fut à l’origine d’une dynamique politique qui a remis en question le paradigme de la dhimmitude en islam, moyennant la création de l’émirat Druze-Maronite (XVI-XIX siècles) au sein de l’empire ottoman et la création du Grand Liban en 1921, avec l’émergence des États-nations qui ont succédé à son implosion (le passage du nationalisme religieux au nationalisme politique, selon les propos du Patriarche Elias Howayek, 1843-1931, Président de la délégation inter-confessionnelle libanaise au congrès de Versailles en 1919, fondateur du Grand Liban qui lui a valu le titre de Patriarche du Liban, et digne représentant d’une lignée de patriarches-pasteurs d’une "société refusée", Toufic Touma). Les dynamiques historiques ne sont pas des créations ex nihilo, elles sont le fruit d’un parcours sinueux prolongé, les Maronites en sont l’exemple.
Bibliographie :
– Georges Tchalenko, Villages antiques de la Syrie du Nord, III volumes, Paul Geuthner, Paris, 1958.
– Jean Raymond, Essai de bibliographie maronite, Université St. Esprit, Kaslik, 1979.
– Paul Naaman, Théodoret de Cyr et le monastère de St. Maroun, USEK, 1971.
– Charles Chartouni, Le traité des dix chapitres de Touma al-Kfartabi, document sur les origines de l’Église maronite, Faculté des lettres et des sciences humaines, Université St Joseph/Recherche-Orient chrétien, 1987, 2016.
– Filippo Carcione, La genesi storico-teologica del monotelismo maronita, Unitor-Roma, 1990.
– Michel Breydy, Geschichte der syro-arabischen Literatur der Maroniten vom VII. bis XVI. Jh., Westdeutscher Verlag, 1985.
-Ray Jabre, les maronites, Brepols, 2009.
– Paul Rouhana, La vision des origines des maronites entre le XVE et le XVIe siècle, de l’évêque Gabriel ibn al Qilai au patriarche Douaihy, Thèse non publiée, Institut catholique de Paris, 1998.
– Harald Suermann, Die Gründungsgeschichte der Maronitischen Kirche, Orientalia Biblica et Christiana, 10, Harrassowitz Verlag, 1998 ; traduction française, Histoire des origines de l'Église maronite, USEK, 2010.
– Youakim Moubarac, Pentalogie antiochienne, domaine maronite, 7 volumes, Cénacle libanais, 1984.
– Michel Hayek, Liturgie maronite, histoire et textes eucharistiques, Mame, Paris, 1964 ; Spiritualité maronite, Dictionnaire de spiritualité catholique, Beauchesne, 1979.
– Pierre Dib, Histoire de l’Église maronite, III volumes, Archevêché maronite de Beyrouth, 1962.
– Joseph Feghali, Histoire du droit de l’Église maronite, Letouzey et Ané, Paris, 1962.
– Kamal Salibi, Maronite Historians of Medieval Lebanon, prefaced by Bernard Lewis, American University of Beirut, 1959.
– Mireille Issa, Le latin des maronites, Geuthner, 2017.
– Toufic Touma, Paysans et institutions féodales chez les Druses et les Maronites du Liban du XVIIᵉ siècle à 1914, 2 volumes, Université libanaise, 1971-1972.
# Illustrations : le portrait de Mar Maroun et de la vallée sainte par Saliba Douaihy ; les photographies représentent le couvent de Mar Antonios-Qozhayya et de Mar Lichaa et la vallée sainte (Nord-Liban). Les peintures rupestres des églises de Mar Tedros-Bahdidat (St. Théodore), de Mar Charbel-Maad, ainsi que de la petite église de Mar Geryes-Eddeh (St. Georges) située au nord-est de Byblos, incluent également les églises du XIᵉ siècle, telles que Mar Nouhra-Smar Jbeil, Mar Seba-Eddeh, et Mar Youhanna-Mor'os (St. Jean Marc) à Jbeil-Byblos, datant de 1115 AD.

The Feast of Mar Maroun, the Icon and the History
Charles Elias Chartouni/February 11/2026
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/2026/02/152044/
The celebration of the feast of Mar Maroun has been part of the national imagination since the creation of Greater Lebanon (1920), where the Maronite Church and France played a decisive role in its establishment. Lebanon is the only Middle Eastern society to break the norm of dhimmitude, which, since 632, sealed the civilizational and civic death of Eastern Christianity. We are facing an existential and epistemological divide that separates the history of Christian churches and communities in the Middle East into a before and after Islam; we are not dealing with the same episteme in the Foucauldian sense.
The eponymous figure of Mar Maroun (a 4th-century anchorite who lived in the region of the Cyr-Taurus Mountains and died in 410) was at the origin of a school of ascetic spirituality (Außerweltliche Askese/extra-worldly asceticism, Max Weber), which stimulated the creation of a monastic community known as Beth Moroun in 451, 41 years after the presumed death of its spiritual master. Historical research teaches us to distinguish between two dates: that of the birth of the monastic community in 451 and that of the Church structured as a Patriarchate between 745-746, following the prolonged vacancy of the See of Antioch (609-742) caused by the Muslim conquest. The emergence of the Maronite Church can be understood sociologically as a messianic response to the rejection of Muslim domination that followed the conquest of Syria Prima in 632, with anti-Islamic nativism serving as a distinctive trait of the "political" sensibility among the Syriac Christian communities of that era in the Mesopotamian, Canaanite, and Phoenician regions.
The proto-political secessionism of the Maronites is far from being a recent phenomenon; it is an original consciousness that helps us understand the paradox of a monastic Church, based on a tradition of extra-worldly and quietist asceticism, which was at the origin of a political dynamic that questioned the paradigm of dhimmitude in Islam, through the creation of the Druze-Maronite emirate (16th-19th centuries) within the Ottoman Empire and the creation of Greater Lebanon in 1921, with the emergence of nation-states that succeeded its implosion (the transition from religious nationalism to political nationalism, according to Patriarch Elias Howayek, 1843-1931, President of the inter-confessional Lebanese delegation at the Congress of Versailles in 1919, founder of Greater Lebanon, which earned him the title of Patriarch of Lebanon, and worthy representative of a lineage of patriarchs-pastors of a "refused society," Toufic Touma). Historical dynamics are not ex nihilo creations; they are the result of a long, winding journey, and the Maronites are an example of this.

Video/The message is the same: hope for peace with Lebanon. & Israel
Watch: Israeli independent journalist and political analyst @selenaryan_
This is Beirut/X Platform/February 11/2026
https://youtu.be/KmeJ2wUOsqk
Traveled across northern Israel to speak with residents of border communities about #peace with #Lebanon.
From Metula to Shlomi, Malkia, Hanita, and Adamit, she interviewed coffee cart owners, farmers, teachers, students, couriers, and artisans.
The message is the same: hope for peace with Lebanon.

The Latest English LCCC Miscellaneous Reports And News published on February 11-12/2026
Trump Meets Netanyahu, with US-Iran Nuclear Diplomacy Topping Agenda
Asharq Al-Awsat/February 11/2026
President Donald Trump hosted Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Wednesday, with the Israeli prime minister expected to press him to widen US talks with Iran to include limits on Tehran's missile arsenal and other security threats beyond its nuclear program. In his seventh meeting with Trump since the president returned to office nearly 13 months ago, Netanyahu was looking to influence the next round of US discussions with Iran following nuclear negotiations held in Oman last Friday. Trump has threatened strikes on Iran if no agreement is reached, while Tehran has vowed to retaliate, stoking fears of a wider war. He has repeatedly voiced support for a secure Israel, a longstanding US ally and arch-foe of Iran. In media interviews on Tuesday, Trump reiterated his warning, saying that while he believes Iran wants a deal, he would do "something very tough" if it refused.
TRUMP SAYS NO TO IRANIAN NUCLEAR WEAPONS, MISSILES
Trump told Fox Business that a good deal with Iran would mean "no nuclear weapons, no missiles," without elaborating. He also told Axios he was considering sending a second aircraft carrier ‌strike group as part ‌of a major US buildup near Iran. Israel fears that the US might pursue a narrow ‌nuclear deal ⁠that does not ⁠include restrictions on Iran's ballistic missile program or an end to Iranian support for armed proxies such as Hamas and Hezbollah, according to people familiar with the matter. Israeli officials have urged the US not to trust Iran's promises. "I will present to the president our perceptions of the principles in the negotiations," Netanyahu told reporters before departing for the US. The two leaders could also discuss potential military action if diplomacy with Iran fails, one source said. Iran has said it is prepared to discuss curbs on its nuclear program in exchange for lifting sanctions but has ruled out linking the issue to missiles. Iran’s "missile capabilities are non-negotiable," Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Iran's supreme leader, said on Wednesday. Netanyahu's arrival at the White House was lower-key than usual. He entered the building away ⁠from the view of reporters and cameras, and a White House official then confirmed he was inside ‌meeting with Trump.
GAZA ON THE AGENDA
Also on the agenda was Gaza, with Trump looking to ‌push ahead with a ceasefire agreement he helped to broker. Progress on his 20-point plan to end the war and rebuild the shattered Palestinian enclave has stalled, ‌with major gaps over steps such as Hamas disarming as Israeli troops withdraw in phases.Netanyahu's visit, originally scheduled for February 18, was brought forward ‌amid renewed US engagement with Iran. Both sides at last week's Oman meeting said the talks were positive and further talks were expected soon. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said ahead of the Oman meeting that negotiations would need to address Iran's missiles, its proxy groups, and its treatment of its own population. Iran said Friday’s talks focused only on nuclear issues. Trump has been vague about broadening the negotiations. He was quoted as telling Axios on Tuesday that it was a "no-brainer" ‌for any deal to cover Iran's nuclear program, but that he also thought it possible to address its missile stockpiles. Iran says its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes, while the US and Israel have ⁠accused it of past efforts to develop ⁠nuclear weapons. Last June, the US joined Israel's strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities during a 12-day war. Israel also heavily damaged Iran's air defenses and missile arsenal. Two Israeli officials say there are signs Iran is working to restore those capabilities. Trump threatened last month to intervene militarily during a bloody crackdown on anti-government protests in Iran, but ultimately held off.
ISRAEL WARY OF A WEAKENED IRAN REBUILDING
Tehran's regional influence has been weakened by Israel’s June attack, losses suffered by its proxies in Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq, and the ousting of its ally, former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. But Israel is wary of its adversaries rebuilding after the multi-front war triggered by Hamas' October 2023 assault on southern Israel. While Trump and Netanyahu have mostly been in sync and the US remains Israel's main arms supplier, Wednesday’s meeting could expose tensions. Part of Trump's Gaza plan holds out the prospect for eventual Palestinian statehood - which Netanyahu and his coalition, the most far-right in Israel's history, have long resisted. Netanyahu's security cabinet on Sunday authorized steps that would make it easier for Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank to buy land while granting Israel broader powers in what the Palestinians see as the heartland of a future state. The decision drew international condemnation. "I am against annexation," Trump told Axios, reiterating his stance. "We have enough things to think about now."

Iran President Says Will Not ‘Give in to Excessive Demands’
Asharq Al-Awsat/February 11/2026
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Wednesday that his country would "not yield to excessive demands" on its nuclear program, after Tehran resumed talks with the United States. "Our country, Iran, will not yield to their excessive demands," he said in a speech at Azadi Square in the capital for the 47th anniversary of Iran's revolution. "Our Iran will not yield in the face of aggression, but we are continuing dialogue with all our strength with neighboring countries in order to establish peace and tranquility in the region." Iran marked the revolution anniversary as the country’s theocracy remains under pressure, both from US President Donald Trump who suggested sending another aircraft carrier group to the Middle East and a public angrily denouncing Tehran's bloody crackdown on nationwide protests. The commemoration represented a spit-screen view of life in Iran, with state television showing hundreds of thousands of people across the country attending pro-government rallies, which included the burning of American flags and cries of “Death to America!” A top Iranian security official traveled Qatar on Wednesday after earlier visiting Oman, which has mediated this latest round of negotiations. Just before the official's arrival, Qatar's ruling emir received a phone call from Trump. In his speech, Pezeshkian also insisted that his nation was “not seeking nuclear weapons. ... and are ready for any kind of verification.” However, the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog — the International Atomic Energy Agency — has been unable for months to inspect and verify Iran’s nuclear stockpile. “The high wall of mistrust that the United States and Europe have created through their past statements and actions does not allow these talks to reach a conclusion,” Pezeshkian said. Tehran’s missile capabilities are a red line and “non-negotiable,” said Ali Shamkhani, adviser to Iran's supreme leader said at the commemoration.
Commemoration overshadowed by crackdown
On Iranian state TV, authorities broadcast images of people taking to the streets across the country Wednesday to support the theocracy and its 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. But on Tuesday night, as government-sponsored fireworks lit the darkened sky, witnesses heard shouts from people’s homes in the Iranian capital, Tehran, of “Death to the dictator!” In the streets Wednesday, people waved images of Khamenei and Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic, alongside Iranian and Palestinian flags. Some chanted “Death to America!” and “Death to Israel!” Others criticized Iran's exiled crown prince, Reza Pahlavi, who had been calling for anti-government protests. “I am here to say we don’t stop supporting our leader and our country as the Americans and Israelis are increasingly threatening" us, said Reza Jedi, a 43-year-old participant. Among Iran's 85 million people, there is a hard-line element of support for Iran's theocracy, including members of the country's powerful paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, which crucially put down the protests last month in a bloody suppression that killed thousands and saw tens of thousands detained, according to activists. Also, many Iranians often take part in pro-theocracy demonstrations as they are government employees or turn up to enjoy the carnival atmosphere of a government-sponsored holiday. Iran has 2.5 million government employees, with a fifth in Tehran alone. While not directly addressing the bloodshed by authorities, Pezeshkian acknowledged the crackdown that began in earnest on Jan. 8 had “caused great sorrow.”“We are ashamed before the people, and we are obligated to assist all those who were harmed in these incidents,” he said. “We are not seeking confrontation with the people.”However, he also criticized what he described as “Western propaganda” over the crackdown.One man sadly watched the commemoration from a sidewalk in Tehran, not taking part. “I regularly participated in the rally in past years,” said the man, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal. “But how can I do that now as the streets' asphalt were bloodied last month?”
Larijani in Qatar
As the commemoration took place, senior Iranian security official Ali Larijani left Oman for Qatar, a Mideast nation that hosts a major US military installation and one that Iran attacked in June after the US bombed Iranian nuclear sites during the 12-day Iran-Israel war. The state-run Qatar News Agency reported that Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani spoke with Trump about “the current situation in the region and international efforts aimed at de-escalation and strengthening regional security and peace,” without elaborating. Speaking to the Russian state channel RT, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran still does “not have full trust for the Americans.”
“Last time we negotiated, last June we were in the middle of negotiation then they decided to attack us and that was a very very bad experience for us,” he said. “We need to make sure that that scenario is not repeated and this is mostly up to America.”
Despite that concern, Araghchi said it could be possible “to come to a better deal than Obama,” referencing the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers Iran reached when former US President Barack Obama was in office. Trump in his first term unilaterally withdrew America from the accord.

Qatar Emir, Trump Discuss De-escalation as Larijani Heads to Doha
Asharq Al-Awsat/February 11/2026
Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and US President Donald Trump discussed efforts for regional de-escalation and stability in a phone call, the Emiri Diwan said on Wednesday, as Washington and Tehran pursue diplomatic solutions to Iran's nuclear program. They underscored the importance of continued coordination and consultation on issues of mutual interest, as well as supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving crises through dialogue and peaceful means, said Qatar’s state news agency QNA. The call comes ahead of a meeting between Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu where ‌the Israeli ‌prime minister is expected ‌to ⁠press him to widen ⁠US talks with Iran to include curbs on Tehran's missile arsenal and other security threats beyond its nuclear program. Qatar has been engaging in diplomatic efforts with regional allies to ease tensions between ⁠Washington and Tehran to avert the ‌threat of a ‌military confrontation between the longtime adversaries. Ali Larijani, an ‌adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader ‌Ali Khamenei, arrived in Qatar on Wednesday and was expected to meet with Sheikh Tamim, as Washington and Tehran prepare to resume ‌negotiations.The two countries held indirect talks in Oman last week, which ⁠a ⁠spokesperson for Iran's foreign ministry said had allowed Tehran to gauge Washington's seriousness and showed enough consensus for diplomacy to continue. Doha has also been mediating between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza war, alongside the US and Egypt.

US assurances: Israel's Netanyahu flags Iran ballistic missile danger
LBCI/February 11/2026
Despite messages from U.S. presidential advisers Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner emphasizing Washington's preference for a diplomatic solution with Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to press President Donald Trump on the issue of ballistic missiles during their upcoming talks in Washington.Israeli officials say Netanyahu's message is clear: the threat posed by Iranian ballistic missiles to residential areas in Israel is akin to a small nuclear bomb. Close aides to Netanyahu expressed concern that an agreement focused solely on Iran's nuclear program could allow Tehran to continue expanding its capabilities through other channels.Reports from Israeli intelligence indicate fears that a U.S.-Iran deal could provide Iran with the economic "oxygen" needed to strengthen its military and regional influence, posing long-term risks to Israel and the wider Middle East.
In anticipation of any potential escalation, Israel has continued preparing for a strike on Iran and conducted joint exercises with the U.S. military involving its laser defense systems, designed to intercept incoming missiles. Israeli sources warn that the number of Iranian ballistic missiles could reach 5,000 in a short period, complicating defense efforts.

Iran Says Ready for Inspections to Prove It Isn’t Seeking Nuclear Weapons
This is Beirut/AFP/February 11/2026
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Wednesday that his country would "not yield to excessive demands" on its nuclear program after Tehran resumed talks with the United States. He also said Iran was ready for "any verification" of its nuclear program and insisted it was not seeking an atomic weapon.
Iran and the United States resumed negotiations last week for the first time since the war with Israel last June that saw the US conduct strikes on nuclear sites in Iran. "Our Iran will not yield in the face of aggression, but we are continuing dialogue with all our strength with neighboring countries in order to establish peace and tranquility in the region," Pezeshkian said. He was speaking at Azadi Square in the capital, Tehran, to mark the 47th anniversary of Iran's Islamic revolution. "Our country, Iran, will not yield to their excessive demands," he added. Iran wants the talks to remain centered purely on its nuclear program, while the United States also wants the Islamic republic's ballistic missile program and its support for militant groups in the region to be discussed. Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful, though Western countries and Israel believe it is seeking to acquire a nuclear weapon. Every year, supporters of Iran's leadership turn out in force to mark the anniversary of the revolution that ousted the US-backed shah in 1979. At Azadi Square on Wednesday, an AFP correspondent saw a large security presence, bigger than in previous years. Veiled women waved the flag of the Islamic republic and carried pictures of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran last month saw a nationwide protest movement that sparked a major crackdown, with the United States threatening military action in support of the demonstrators.

Israeli Defense Officials: Hundreds of Iranian Cyberattacks Thwarted in Recent Months
This is Beirut/February 11/2026
Hundreds of Iranian cyberattacks targeting Israelis, including senior government and defense officials, academics, and journalists, were detected and foiled in recent months, the Shin Bet security agency and National Cyber Directorate said Wednesday. In a joint statement, the Shin Bet and the National Cyber Directorate reported a significant rise in attempts by Iranian intelligence operatives to hack the private Google accounts of Israelis since the 12-day war with the Islamic Republic in June 2025. According to the statement, the campaign aims to gather personal and professional information that could be used to support terrorist activity, espionage and influence operations, including targeted phishing attacks. The agencies said the methods involve highly personalized approaches tailored to victims’ fields of interest, as well as impersonating individuals known to the target. Attackers have also sent messages requesting passwords and verification codes for Google, Telegram or WhatsApp accounts under the guise of security checks. The Shin Bet and Cyber Directorate said they have thwarted hundreds of such attempts in recent months.In their statement, the security agencies recommended that Israelis boost their cybersecurity measures, including by enabling two-step verification, providing recovery emails, and checking linked accounts. In January, National Cyber Directorate chief Yossi Karadi warned that Israel must strengthen its preparedness for what he described as a fast-approaching “cyber war.”Karadi said that in 2025 alone, the directorate handled more than 26,000 cyberattacks — a 55% increase compared with 2024. Citing the latest Microsoft data, he added that Israel is now the third most targeted country worldwide, accounting for 3.5% of all global cyberattacks over the past year.

US Forces Withdraw From Syria's Al-Tanf Base: Syrian Military Sources
This is Beirut/AFP/February 11/2026
US forces have withdrawn to Jordan from Syria's Al-Tanf base, where they had been deployed as part of the international coalition against the Islamic State group, two Syrian military sources told AFP on Wednesday. One source said "the American forces withdrew entirely from Al-Tanf base today" and decamped to another in Jordan, adding Syrian forces were being deployed to replace them. A second source confirmed the withdrawal, adding the Americans had been moving equipment out for the past 15 days. The second source said the US troops would "continue to coordinate with the base in Al-Tanf from Jordan".During the Syrian civil war and the fight against the Islamic State (IS), US forces were deployed in the country's Kurdish-controlled northeast and at Al-Tanf, near the borders with Jordan and Iraq. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) had been a major partner of the anti-IS coalition, and were instrumental in the group's territorial defeat in Syria in 2019. However, after the fall of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad over a year ago, the United States has drawn closer to the new government in Damascus, recently declaring that the need for its alliance with the Kurds had largely passed. Syria agreed to join the anti-IS coalition when President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited the White House in November. As Sharaa's authorities seek to extend their control over all of Syria, the Kurds have come under pressure to integrate their forces and de facto autonomous administration into the state, striking an agreement to do so last month after losing territory to advancing government troops.Since then, the US has been conducting an operation to transfer around 7,000 suspected jihadists from Syria -- where many were being held in detention facilities by Kurdish fighters -- to neighbouring Iraq.Following the withdrawal from Al-Tanf and the government's advances in the northeast, US troops are mainly now based at the Qasrak base in Hasakeh, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Despite IS's territorial defeat, the group remains active. It was blamed for a December attack in Palmyra in which a lone gunman opened fire on American personnel, killing two US soldiers and a US civilian. Washington later conducted retaliatory strikes on IS targets in Syria.

UN Agency Begins Clearing Huge Gaza City Waste Dump as Health Risks Mount
Asharq Al-Awsat/February 11/2026
The United Nations Development Program began clearing a huge wartime garbage dump on Wednesday that has swallowed one of Gaza City’s oldest commercial districts and is an environmental and health risk. Alessandro Mrakic, head of the UNDP Gaza Office, said work had started to remove the solid-waste mound that has overtaken the once busy Fras Market in the Palestinian enclave's main city. He put the volume of the dump at more than 300,000 cubic meters (390,000 cubic yards) and 13 meters (14 yards) high. It formed after municipal crews were blocked from reaching Gaza’s main landfill in the Juhr al-Dik area - adjacent to the border with Israel - when the Gaza war began in October 2023. The area in Juhr ‌al-Dik is now ‌under full Israeli control. Over the next six months, UNDP plans ‌to ⁠transfer the waste to ⁠a new temporary site prepared in the Abu Jarad area south of Gaza City and built to meet environmental standards. The site covers 75,000 square meters and will also accommodate daily collection, Mrakic said in a statement sent to Reuters. The project is funded by the Humanitarian Fund and the European Union's Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations. Some Palestinians sifted through the garbage, looking for things to take away, but there was relief that the market space would eventually be cleared. "It needs to be moved to a ⁠site with a complex of old waste, far away from people. There's ‌no other solution. What will this cause? It will cause ‌us gases, it will cause us diseases, it will cause us germs," elderly Gazan Abu Issa said ‌near the site. The Gaza Municipality confirmed the start of the relocation effort in collaboration with the ‌UNDP, calling it an urgent step to contain a worsening solid-waste crisis after about 350,000 cubic meters of rubbish accumulated in the heart of the city.
'A SYMBOL OF THE WAR'
Fras Market, an historic quarter that before the war served nearly 600,000 residents with items ranging from food to clothes and household tools, has been ‌buried under garbage for more than a year. Amjad al-Shawa, head of the Palestinian NGOs Network and a liaison with UN and international agencies, ⁠said the dump had fueled “serious ⁠health and environmental problems and the spread of insects and illnesses.”“It is a symbol of the war that continued for two years,” he told Reuters. “Its removal may give people a sense of hope that the ceasefire (agreed last October) is moving forward.” Shawa said the waste would be transported to a transitional site near the former Netzarim settlement in central Gaza until Israeli forces withdraw from eastern areas and municipal access to the permanent landfills can be restored. UNDP said it had collected more than 570,000 tons of solid waste across Gaza since the war began as part of its emergency response to avert a further deterioration in public health conditions. The number of temporary dumpsites has decreased from 141 to 56 as part of efforts in 2024-25 to remove smaller dumping sites, a UNDP report last December said. "However, only 10 to 12 of these temporary dumping sites are accessible and operational, and Gaza’s two main sanitary landfills remain inaccessible. The environmental and public health risks remain critical," it added.

Israel Says Killed Hamas Operative Responsible for 2004 Bus Bombings
Asharq Al-Awsat/February 11/2026
The Israeli military said on Wednesday it killed a senior Hamas operative who had been convicted of orchestrating two bus bombings in 2004 that left 16 civilians dead and dozens more wounded. The bombings were among the deadliest attacks during the second intifada, the Palestinian uprising of the early 2000s. In a joint statement, the military and the Shin Bet domestic security agency said their forces killed Bassem Hashem Al-Haymouni in a strike in the Gaza Strip last week. They described him as "a senior operative" for Hamas who "had been active since 2004" as part of a cell responsible for carrying out deadly attacks in Israel. They identified him as the mastermind of an August 2004 attack in the southern Israeli city of Beer Sheva, in which suicide bombers blew up two buses. He "dispatched several suicide bombers to carry out a coordinated attack on two buses in Beer Sheva, in which 16 Israeli civilians were murdered and approximately 100 others were injured", the statement said. Haymouni was apprehended and sentenced, but was released in 2011 as part of the so-called "Shalit deal", in which Israel freed more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the release of soldier Gilad Shalit. Palestinian fighters had seized Shalit in 2006 during a cross-border raid near the Kerem Shalom crossing and held him hostage for five years. His case became a major national issue in Israel. The military and Shin Bet statement said that after Haymouni was released, he "resumed recruiting attackers and directing terrorist activity". It added that the strike on Haymouni was also in response to violations of the ongoing ceasefire in Gaza. "During the war he was involved in the production and placement of explosive devices intended to harm Israeli troops," it said, referring to the war in Gaza sparked by Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. The US-brokered Gaza ceasefire entered its second phase last month, and foresees a demilitarization of the territory -- including the disarmament of Hamas -- along with a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces. Hamas has said that disarmament is a red line, although it has indicated it could consider handing over its weapons to a future Palestinian governing authority. A Palestinian technocratic committee has been set up with a goal of taking over day-to-day governance in the Strip, but it remains unclear whether, or how, it will address the issue of demilitarization.

10 dead, including female suspect, in 'devastating' shootings at B.C. school and home
The Canadian Press/February 11, 2026
TUMBLER RIDGE, BRITISH COLUMBIA — RCMP Supt. Ken Floyd says police are "not in a place" to understand what motivated a shooter suspected of killing two people at a home in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., before going to a school and committing one of Canada's worst mass shootings.
A total of 10 people are dead after Tuesday's shootings in the tiny community in B.C.'s Peace region, including the lone suspect who police say died at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School by suicide.
Floyd said about 25 people were hurt at the school, including two with life-threatening injuries. The community went into a lockdown that lasted several hours, after police were called about an active shooter at the school at 1:20 p.m. Residents sheltered in place in homes and community spaces as police searched for a suspect described as a "female in a dress with brown hair." While police initially said they were searching for a possible second suspect, Floyd, the RCMP North District Commander, later said the shooter acted alone, and that they were the person described in the alert. Tumbler Ridge Mayor Darryl Krakowka said that when he first heard the toll of the shootings that have devastated the community, he "broke down." "I have lived here for 18 years," he said of the community that he called a "big family" of about 2,700 residents. "I probably know every one of the victims."
Police did not give the ages of the victims, and Floyd said he could not provide more details about the shooter, who was found with what were believed to be self-inflicted injuries.He told a briefing that about 100 students and staff were evacuated from the school. Prime Minister Mark Carney suspended a trip to Europe in light of what he called the "horrific shootings." "I join Canadians in grieving with those whose lives have been changed irreversibly today, and in gratitude for the courage and selflessness of the first responders who risked their lives to protect their fellow citizens," Carney said on social media. "Our ability to come together in crisis is the best of our country — our empathy, our unity, and our compassion for each other."He said he had connected with B.C. Premier Eby to express his condolences, while federal Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree was co-ordinating the federal response. B.C. Solicitor General Nina Krieger said that police were at the school within two minutes of receiving the call. Floyd said that police who entered the school encountered a "very dramatic scene," finding six victims dead, as well as the body of the shooter, while another person died on their way to hospital. BC Emergency Health Services says it received an initial call at 1:22 p.m. "Paramedics provided emergency medical treatment to two patients who were transported by air ambulance to hospital, one in critical condition, and one in serious but stable condition," the service said in a statement. Floyd said about two dozen others were assessed and triaged at the local medical centre, adding that without the support of professionals at the clinic, "this would have been a far worse outcome."
Police said they identified a secondary location believed to be connected to the incident, and two people were found dead inside the residence.
"We are not in a place now to be able to understand why and what may have motivated this tragedy," Floyd said.
"This was a rapidly evolving and dynamic situation, and the swift co-operation from the school, first responders, and the community played a critical role in our response."
Supports were on the way for students, teachers, front-line workers and others impacted by what happened, Floyd said.
"At the end of the day, every citizen and every person in Tumbler Ridge, including our first responders, are going home to their families to try and explain this, and sometimes there's just not a way to explain this, so we'll continue providing that support however it's needed." Larry Neufeld, MLA for Peace River South, which includes Tumbler Ridge, said the news was "beyond devastating." "I don't know that my thoughts and prayers are enough for the people of Tumbler Ridge. I have given them everything I have in that respect, and I only wish I had a hundred times more to give, but it would never be enough."Krakowka, who was speaking from Tumbler Ridge Town Hall, where he had been sheltering with about a dozen people, said he had been in contact with his two adult sons, including one who works in Tumbler Ridge.
"He's texting me to make sure that I'm OK. I have an older son, who lives down south, and he has done the same thing." Eby said he wanted British Columbians and all Canadians "to wrap the people of Tumbler Ridge, wrap these families, with love."
"Not just tonight, but tomorrow and into the future. This is something that will reverberate for years to come," he told a media briefing. He said some of the injuries were "profoundly serious," while others were more minor.
"Government will ensure every possible support for community members in the coming days, as we all try to come to terms with this unimaginable tragedy," he said.
A statement from the District of Tumbler Ridge encouraged people to rely only on official statements for updates. "We are grateful for the swift response of local emergency services and first responders. Additional supports are already here or on their way to assist the community," the statement said. "In the days ahead, we know this will be difficult for many to process. Please check in on one another, lean on available supports, and know that Tumbler Ridge is a strong and caring community. We will get through this together."
— Ashley Joannou and Nono Shen in Vancouver and Wolfgang Depner in Victoria
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 10, 2026.
The Canadian Press

Deadly B.C. shooting is one of Canada's worst school shootings
CBC/February 11, 2026
Tuesday's mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in B.C.'s Peace region marked one of the worst school shootings in Canadian history, with nine people dead in total inside a school and a home, including a suspect. The northeastern B.C. shooting was the latest deadly school shooting in Canada's history and one of its worst — despite Canada's relatively strict gun controls. nThe last fatal mass shooting at a school was 10 years ago, at La Loche high school in Saskatchewan. Here's a list of deadly shootings at schools, universities and colleges in across the country, spanning the past few decades.
2026: Tumbler Ridge, B.C. Nine people are dead, including the shooter, and at least 27 more were injured after a mass shooting in the community of Tumbler Ridge, B.C., on Tuesday. Police said six victims were found dead inside Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and another died on the way to the hospital. Two more people were found dead in a home, which police believed to be connected to the school shooting. The only suspect was found dead inside the school from "a self-inflicted injury," police said. 2016: La Loche high school, Sask. Randan Dakota Fontaine shot two of his cousins dead and then killed a teacher and a teacher's aide at the La Loche high school.
Four people died and seven others were injured on Jan. 22, 2016. Adam Wood, 36, and teacher's assistant Marie Janvier, 21, were shot at the high school. Brothers Dayne Fontaine, 17, and Drayden Fontaine, 13, were killed in a home by the same gunman.
Tumbler Ridge shooting shocks Canadians: ‘…If you're not sickened by this, you have no place in the Canada we are working to defend and build’
One of the people injured at the school, teacher Charlene Klyne, died suddenly in a Saskatoon hospital in 2023. Her family said her death was caused by complications from injuries she incurred in the shooting.
2013: Les Racines de vie Montessori, Gatineau, Que.
On April 5, 2013, two men died during a shooting at the school's daycare. The shooter was identified as Robert Charron. Thirty-eight-year-old Neil Galliou was killed before Charron took his own life. Charron told staff to take 53 children to safety before he opened fire.
2012: University of Alberta, Edmonton
Travis Baumgartner shot four of his co-workers — three fatally — in a robbery on the university campus on June 15, 2012. After pleading guilty, he was sentenced in 2013 to 40 years in prison with no chance of parole.
2007: C.W. Jefferys, Toronto
Jordan Manners, 15, died after being shot at his north-end Toronto school, C.W. Jefferys Collegiate Institute. Manners was a Grade 9 student.
Two men were charged with first-degree murder in the death. They were referred to only as C.D. and J. W. because they were 17 years old at the time Manners was slain. After two trials, the two men were ultimately found not guilty.
2006: Dawson College, Montreal
One woman was killed after a shooting rampage at the Montreal CEGEP on Sept. 13, 2006. Another 19 people were injured — several seriously — in the shooting. The shooter, 25-year-old Kimveer Gill, shot himself after a shootout began with police at the college.
2004: Bramalea Secondary School, Brampton, Ont.
A 47-year-old teacher at the school, Aysegul Candir, was shot and killed by her husband, 62-year-old Erhun Candir, in the parking lot of the Brampton, Ont., school in 2004. No students were harmed and it was deemed a domestic dispute by police.
Candir was found guilty of first-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison in 2007.
1999: W.R. Myers High School, Taber, Alta.
A 14-year-old boy opened fire inside the W.R. Myers High School in Taber, Alta., on April 28, 1999.
The shooting left 17-year-old student Jason Lang dead and another student was seriously injured. The shooter, who could not be identified because of his age, was sentenced to three years in secure custody and another seven years of probation.
1992: Concordia University, Montreal
Prof. Valery Fabrikant fired on his colleagues on Aug. 24, 1992. He killed four people and wounded one more.
1989: École Polytechnique, Montreal
Fourteen female students and a college employee were killed, and another 13 were injured in the worst school shooting in Canada's history.
On Dec. 6, 1989, Marc Lepine, 25, walked into a classroom in the school with a gun and separated the men and the women, telling the men to leave. He opened fire in the classroom, and then wandered the hallways of the school, committing suicide shortly after his rampage.
1978: Sturgeon Creek School, Winnipeg
A 17-year-old student shot and killed a 16-year-old student at the Winnipeg high school on Oct. 19, 1978.
1975: Saint Pius X, Ottawa
An 18-year-old student, Robert Poulin, opened fire on his classmates on Oct. 27, 1975, killing two people and wounding four more before killing himself. He had also raped and killed a 17-year-old girl prior to the shooting.
1975: Brampton Centennial Secondary School, Ontario
A 16-year-old student, Michael Slobodian, killed two people and wounded 13 others before killing himself.

The Latest LCCC analysis & editorials from miscellaneous sources published on February 11-12/2026
What Does Tomorrow Hold? Will Sunni Extremism end along with Shia Extremism?
Colonel Charbel Barakat/ February 11/2026
It appears that the sun of the "New Middle East" is preparing to rise. Will Sunni extremism collapse simultaneously with the end of Shia extremism? Will Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman once again carry the banner of peace, free from the threat of Wahhabi remnants in his own backyard? Will Erdogan renounce his neo-Ottoman ambitions, leading to a diminished political role for Qatar? Can the hope for stability and a prosperous future finally stir our dreams, allowing us to envision grand cross-border projects that pave the way for progress and development in the Middle East?
The Middle East and the world at large are anxiously awaiting the results of the Oman negotiations. These talks represent yet another attempt to spare the Iranian regime the humiliation of total surrender by offering the Mullahs one final chance to bear the consequences of their long history of manipulation and the arrogance that has defined their rule. Their project was built on "exporting the revolution," activating loyalist factions in neighboring countries, and mobilizing them according to the requirements of the imperial policy managed by the Vali-e Faqih (Supreme Leader) from his stronghold in Tehran.
Since the era of Imam Khomeini and his successor Khamenei, the policy of the Mullahs' regime has focused on imposing control through religious dependency. This Shia fundamentalism stood in opposition to Sunni fundamentalism—ranging from Wahhabi Salafism, which birthed Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, to the Ottoman-leaning and Egypt-born Muslim Brotherhood. The latter inherited Al-Qaeda’s legacy through the alliance of Bin Laden and Al-Zawahiri, eventually producing "Al-Qaeda in Iraq," which replaced the remnants of the Ba'ath party and the Iraqi army, eventually evolving into ISIS and its affiliates. The Iranians encouraged Al-Qaeda's operations in Iraq to exhaust American forces and inflict heavy losses, thereby securing their own control over the country via Shia militias, later consolidated under the "Popular Mobilization Forces" (PMF) and legalized as part of the armed forces.
A similar policy was launched in Lebanon in 1983, following the bombings of the U.S. Embassy in Beirut and the headquarters of the U.S. Marines and French paratroopers. This led to the creation of Hezbollah, which became the backbone of Iranian terrorism in the region in terms of training and equipment, centered on absolute loyalty to the Supreme Leader. Its primary media face, Hassan Nasrallah, championed a rhetoric of hostility toward the West and the "Zionist entity." The core strategy involved the Iranian regime’s control over ideology, leadership, and organization, attempting to topple neighboring regimes and dominate regional wealth to fund a vast, independent armament project. This was intended to culminate in military nuclear capability, granting the Supreme Leader the absolute power to ensure the success of the "Hidden Imam" in controlling the world upon his return.
However, the "Great Satan" and the "Little Satan" were lying in wait. Last June, Israeli aircraft conducted concentrated strikes over 12 consecutive days against numerous critical targets. This was followed by American strikes on three of Iran's most advanced nuclear reactors to halt enrichment after Tehran refused to comply with U.S. conditions during the first round of Oman talks.
Today, following President Trump’s declaration of his intent to rid Iran of its "evils," the regime has scrambled to request mediation from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and other nations to halt military operations and negotiate to spare the region the ravages of war and the potential indiscriminate retaliation of the Revolutionary Guard (IRGC). But what of the regime's actions within Iran? How did it treat protesters and its own people as soon as the threat of external military action paused?
The Iranian opposition reports that the death toll during the suppression of protests—previously leaked to be over 12,000—is rising daily. Some sources suggest it has exceeded 40,000. Furthermore, with the ongoing hunt for suspects and raids on hospitals to kill those believed to have been wounded in the protests, the number may surpass 60,000. These are figures that cannot be ignored once international communications and the internet are fully restored. Can the regime regain control of the streets once more?
Undoubtedly, the United States continues to amass military assets, finalize combat plans, and gather intelligence on the regime’s maneuvers to justify its final removal. This may not require more than striking the headquarters of the IRGC, its leadership, and Basij centers. Such a move could flip the situation, prompting the oppressed Iranian people to overthrow their executioners and take revenge for the regime's shameful acts and the theft of the nation’s wealth.
The Iranian opposition abroad, which appears increasingly organized and is gaining trust within international circles concerned with the country's future, believes it can manage the transition. While purging the regime’s evils won't be a simple "surgical operation"—and acts of revenge are inevitable given the unprecedented oppression the people have endured—the process will not be left to chance.
The international community, led by the U.S., is closely monitoring the situation, as evidenced by the Israeli Prime Minister's urgent visit to Washington today.
But what about the other regions controlled by Iran's proxies? Will we witness retaliations and a purging of the Mullahs' remnants in Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, and perhaps Gaza? These are nations still grappling with armed groups that openly declare their allegiance to the Iranian regime.
In Lebanon, the state's move to collect Hezbollah's weapons and assert control through the Lebanese Army might prevent some excesses. However, Hezbollah has never missed an opportunity to display its subservience to Tehran and has rejected all solutions to reintegrate into the national fabric. Therefore, the government must quickly purge the army and other security forces of Hezbollah loyalists before the Iranian regime falls, to prevent internal chaos and institutional collapse. Some analysts believe that Israeli intervention might actually serve the Lebanese state's interest by stabilizing the situation and preventing a slide into revenge, perhaps under the pretext of securing Hezbollah’s weapons depots. A preemptive deployment of IDF units could help maintain order and prevent divisions within state forces.
In Iraq, harsh days seem to be on the horizon. The organizations the Iranian regime imposed on the government cannot survive. The withdrawal of American forces may carry significant implications in this regard. Iraqis must preemptively find solutions to deep-seated grievances and stabilize the country before the "Mullah groups" resort to chaos once they find themselves without orders from Tehran. As for the Houthis, they will likely be left to their fate once Iranian commands cease; their drones and long-range missiles will be of little use then. Finally, Hamas must capitalize on President Trump’s proposals and move quickly to surrender its weapons before the Iranian regime collapses, or else face humiliating terms that no one will dare intervene to soften.
It seems the sun of the New Middle East is indeed preparing to rise. Will we see the simultaneous end of Sunni and Shia extremism? Will a new era of stability and progress finally allow our grandest dreams to cross borders and flourish?

Welcome to the 'EUSSR': Unpopular European Regimes Grasping for Power Crack Down on Dissent
Robert Williams/Gatestone Institute/February 11/2026
https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/22265/europe-crackdown-on-dissent
So, if you are an unpopular regime desperately clinging to power, what do you do?
In supposed democracies, this latest "benefit " to your people - cracking down on dissent "democratically" -- means using technology rather than firepower to crush freedom of speech.
Danger: Governments will dictate what you see, burying opposing views and creating echo chambers controlled by the state. Free exploration of ideas? Gone—replaced by curated propaganda." — Pavel Durov, Founder and CEO of Telegram, X, February 4, 2026.
Danger: Vague definitions of 'hate' could label criticism of the government as divisive, leading to shutdowns or fines. This can be a tool for suppressing opposition. These aren't safeguards; they're steps toward total control. We've seen this playbook before—governments weaponizing 'safety' to censor critics." — Pavel Durov, X, February 4, 2026.
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." — First Amendment to the United States Constitution.
The problem, of course, is that usually "hate" is never defined -- meaning that anything and everything can be labeled "hate" and often is. Judgments about what constitutes "hate" become entirely subjective and run the danger of existing exclusively "in the eye of the beholder."
France is planning a similar move, "to ban minors from Instagram and TikTok," and Germany is also seriously considering introducing such a ban as well.
Denmark, Greece and Britain are also in various stages of either introducing or seriously considering banning X, and European authorities are simultaneously seeking to come up with other ways to close down X.
All this is in addition to a €120 million fine that the European Commission has imposed on X under its "Delete. Silence. Abolish" Digital Services Act.
To the European governments that refuse to acknowledge that many of their citizens are sick and tired of their repressive policies, when the ayatollahs slaughter their citizens in Iran, it is not a pressing problem, but banning X is of the highest priority.
In supposed democracies, this latest "benefit " to your people - cracking down on dissent "democratically" -- means using technology rather than firepower to crush freedom of speech. (Images source: iStock)
Governing elites in Europe, in what increasingly appears to be the EUSSR (European Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) race to the bottom, have been growing ever more unpopular. Disapproval ratings are skyrocketing. In France, 77% of the public disapprove of President Emmanuel Macron. In Britain, 68% disapprove of Prime Minister Keir Starmer. In Germany, 64% disapprove of Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and in Spain, 61% have had it up to here with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.
In other parts of Europe, such as Germany and France, all sorts of pseudo-legal acrobatics are being generated to prevent political opponents from running for high office (such as here and here).
So, if you are an unpopular regime desperately clinging to power, what do you do? It's easy! Iran's ayatollahs, China's Xi Jinping, Russia's Vladimir Lenin, Josef Stalin and Vladimir Putin could tell you. You simply crack down -- more than ever -- on free speech and dissent!
In supposed democracies, this latest "benefit " to your people - cracking down on dissent "democratically" -- means using technology rather than firepower to crush freedom of speech.
Concerning age limits for children, there is a valid argument to be made that leaving the faces of a generation staring at screens all day appears to be impairing not only their education but also their ability to socialize with anyone not an AI chimera, algorithmed to agree narcotically with everything uploaded, including the best ways to how to put their young, ostensibly deficient lives to an end.
As the founder and CEO of Telegram, Pavel Durov wrote on X:
Today, Telegram notified all its users in Spain with this alert:
Pedro Sánchez's government is pushing dangerous new regulations that threaten your internet freedoms. Announced just yesterday, these measures could turn Spain into a surveillance state under the guise of "protection." Here's why they're a red flag for free speech and privacy:
1. Ban on social media for under-16s with mandatory age verification: This isn't just about kids—it requires platforms to use strict checks, like needing IDs or biometrics....
Danger: This will force over-censorship—platforms will delete anything remotely controversial to avoid risks, silencing political dissent, journalism, and everyday opinions. Your voice could be next if it challenges the status quo....
Danger: Governments will dictate what you see, burying opposing views and creating echo chambers controlled by the state. Free exploration of ideas? Gone—replaced by curated propaganda....
Danger: Vague definitions of "hate" could label criticism of the government as divisive, leading to shutdowns or fines. This can be a tool for suppressing opposition. These aren't safeguards; they're steps toward total control. We've seen this playbook before—governments weaponizing "safety" to censor critics....
Demand transparency and fight for your rights. Share this widely—before it's too late.
Durov, incidentally, born in the Soviet Union in 1984 – of all Orwellian dates! – left Russia in 2014 after Russia's FSB security service demanded that his company, VKontakte, hand over the personal data of Ukrainian Euromaidan protesters and opposition figures, and for refusing to censor posts on his site.
In Spain, in addition to an arguably justified ban on social media for people under 16 years old, Sanchez's government is introducing a legislative package consisting of five additions to censor speech online.
First, social media platform executives will not just be fined for failing to remove "illegal, hateful or harmful" content from their platforms in a timely way – they will also now face criminal liability, including possible imprisonment. As Durov warns:
"This will force over-censorship—platforms will delete anything remotely controversial to avoid risks, silencing political dissent, journalism, and everyday opinions. Your voice could be next if it challenges the status quo."
"Sanchez," Elon Musk said more bluntly, "is the true fascist totalitarian."
Second, amplifying "illegal" or "harmful" content through the algorithms will become a crime.
"We will turn algorithmic manipulation and amplification of illegal content into a new criminal offense," Sanchez said. "No more hiding behind code. No more pretending technology is neutral."
Third, according to Sanchez:
"We will implement a hate and polarization footprint system to track, quantify, and expose how digital platforms fuel division and amplify hate. For too long, hate has been treated as invisible and untraceable, but we will change that."
The problem, of course, is that usually "hate" is never defined -- meaning that anything and everything can be labeled "hate" and often is. Judgments about what constitutes "hate" become entirely subjective and run the danger of existing exclusively "in the eye of the beholder."
In Sudan, for instance, a British teacher at an elementary school was sentenced to 40 lashes and a term in prison for having allowed her students to name a teddy bear Muhammad. In Iran today, people who protested against the regime are being sentenced to death for "waging war against God."
The United States officially enshrines freedom of speech in the First Amendment to the Constitution:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
US courts have ruled that only child pornography and immediate, direct and credible threats, as well as a few other limitations, are banned.
Some governing elites in Spain apparently want to ban X there altogether. "The next battle should be aimed at limiting... and likely banning Twitter," Minister of Youth and Children Sira Rego stated.
Spain's Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz, announced that she has left X and that whoever remains on X "is feeding hate policies."
France is planning a similar move, "to ban minors from Instagram and TikTok," and Germany is also seriously considering introducing such a ban as well. Germany's Christian Democratic Union — the conservative party led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the largest in the governing coalition — is reportedly set to discuss the issue at its national party congress on February 20-21, 2026.
Denmark, Greece and Britain are also in various stages of either introducing or seriously considering banning X, and European authorities are simultaneously seeking to come up with other ways to close down X.
At the beginning of February, French authorities and European Union police agency Europol raided X's offices in Paris, over "suspected abuse of algorithms, plus allegations related to deepfake images and wider concerns over posts generated by the platform's AI chatbot, Grok," according to Time Magazine.
According to The Telegraph, the raid "was triggered in the first place by an MP in Emmanuel Macron's centrist party complaining, after Musk's purchase, that X had 'reduced diversity of voices', and a separate complaint that the site hosted 'nauseating political content'".
In Britain, according to The Telegraph:
"[T]he Information Commissioner's Office launched an investigation into deepfakes on X, running in parallel to the Ofcom inquiry into the platform. Liz Kendall, the Technology Secretary, has said the Government will give its 'full backing' should the watchdog decide to block access to the site in the UK and accused those opposing the measures of allying with 'those who think the creation and publication of sexually manipulated images of women and children is acceptable'."
All this is in addition to a €120 million fine that the European Commission has imposed on X under its "Delete. Silence. Abolish" Digital Services Act.
To the European governments that refuse to acknowledge that many of their citizens are sick and tired of their repressive policies, when the ayatollahs slaughter their citizens in Iran, it is not a pressing problem, but banning X is of the highest priority.
Robert Williams is based in the United States.
© 2026 Gatestone Institute. All rights reserved. The articles printed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editors or of Gatestone Institute.

The Red Lines
Jumah Boukleb/Asharq Al-Awsat/February 11/2026
Following the first round of indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran in Muscat last week, senior officials from both countries sent positive signals. However, before a date was set for the second round of talks, Iran’s foreign minister announced what Iran calls “red lines” and threatened to go to war if the American side insisted on ignoring them. The US also gave its response through the media, with footage of the American negotiating delegation visiting the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier. The red lines game is not new, and rival states are not the only ones who play it. It plays out in every facet of life, even in families and marriages. Red lines are drawn in commercial negotiations and negotiations between labor unions and employers, among others. The recent announcement by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi of his country’s red lines in a televised interview falls within this same framework.
Red lines, as a rule, do not always remain red; they can be graded. That is, they shift with shifts in the balance of power and interests. In political negotiations, they can be either real or tactical. The latter are sometimes used to “maneuver” and pressure the other side into making concessions in other areas. I believe that a careful reading of the Iranian foreign minister’s statement leads to the conclusion that Iran’s red lines are one example. The minister chose to announce them through the media, not behind the closed doors of negotiating rooms. They were likely made for domestic consumption or to up the stakes.
One could, in this context, point to what happened after the defeat of the 1967 war. Arab leaders met at a summit in Khartoum and announced three red lines that they called the “three no’s”: no peace, no recognition, and no negotiations with Israel. They needed to announce these “no’s” to absorb the shock of the defeat and Israel’s occupation of territories in three Arab states.
By the end of 1970, however, those “no’s” had begun to erode. The door to negotiation, which had been shut and repudiated, was cautiously opened when the Egyptian leadership accepted the initiative proposed by US Secretary of State Rogers that year. Indirect negotiation with Israel was thereby described as necessary. This was the first crack in the wall of Arab rejection. Over time, other cracks followed, leading to the collapse of the other two walls: peace and recognition. In countries shaken by internal instability as a result of revolutions or uprisings that undermined peace and stability over the past few years, like Somalia or Iraq, new actors emerged to fill the political vacuum in a struggle for power. In most cases, the various actors draw red lines around their interests. The multiplicity of factions, as well as the overlap of constantly shifting alliances, leads to an entanglement of these red lines, to the point that they become difficult to distinguish. The country then turns into a rainbow of fiefdoms, with its territory becoming a minefield. Contemporary Libya presents an ideal case. Yesterday’s red lines of one team or faction are not those of today. Situations can change in various ways, giving rise to new alliances and alignments. These changes, in turn, transform previous red lines and announce new ones. The disappearance of national red lines from the agendas of all the warring parties is a truly striking manifestation of this phenomenon. They have all compromised on sovereignty over its wealth, borders, and territory.

Integration not isolation the best way forward for Syria
Hani Hazaimeh//Arab News/February 11, 2026
The multibillion-dollar agreements signed between Saudi Arabia and Syria this week mark a historic turning point in the Levant’s geopolitical and economic landscape. After more than a decade of devastating conflict, international sanctions and widespread isolation, Syria is gradually reemerging as a viable partner for regional trade, investment and diplomacy. Saudi Arabia’s decisive engagement signals not merely a recalibration of economic relations but a broader strategic vision: leveraging reconstruction and economic partnership to stabilize the region politically, socially and economically.
For more than a decade, Syria’s economy has been in a state of near-collapse. Infrastructure — roads, hospitals, schools and electricity networks — has been decimated. Energy and water systems remain under severe strain, while millions of Syrians continue to face poverty, displacement and chronic shortages of essential goods. The war has not only destroyed physical capital, it has also eroded human capital, leaving a generation of young Syrians with limited access to education, vocational training and employment opportunities.
Foreign investment has been scarce, leaving the country dependent on fragmented aid programs and informal economic networks. In this context, the agreements with Saudi Arabia, which cover critical sectors including energy, transport and urban reconstruction, are not merely financial transactions — they are a clear statement of confidence in Syria’s potential to rebuild, reintegrate and grow.The agreements with Saudi Arabia are a clear statement of confidence in Syria’s potential to rebuild, reintegrate and grow
The strategic symbolism of this engagement cannot be overstated. By choosing to invest heavily in Syria, the Kingdom is signaling a significant shift in regional policy: long-term stability cannot be achieved by isolating states, even those emerging from years of devastating conflict. Economic integration, rather than exclusion, is the pathway to sustainable peace.The agreements also communicate a clear message to the region: Syria is no longer a pariah state but a partner whose recovery is in the collective interest of its neighbors. Such engagement may help reframe regional discourse, moving away from narratives of punishment and isolation toward collaboration and reconstruction.
Equally significant is the message these agreements send to the Syrian people themselves. Years of conflict have left ordinary Syrians traumatized and marginalized, facing not only the loss of their homes and livelihoods but also the erosion of hope. Large-scale investment in reconstruction projects offers the potential for tangible improvements to daily life — from rebuilt hospitals and schools to restored electricity, public transport and reliable water supplies.
These investments can also create meaningful employment opportunities, provide skill development programs and foster local entrepreneurship, all of which are essential components for building resilience in postconflict societies. In other words, these agreements do not simply rebuild infrastructure — they help rebuild confidence, dignity and a sense of possibility for the Syrian population. This emphasis on tangible human impact is essential if postconflict stability is to take root and endure. The implications of Saudi Arabia’s initiative extend far beyond Syria itself. Neighboring countries such as Jordan and Lebanon, which have borne the social and economic brunt of Syria’s war through refugee flows, disrupted trade and strained public services, stand to benefit significantly from revitalized cross-border commerce and improved infrastructure connectivity.
By helping stabilize Syria, these agreements could reduce regional insecurity, ease humanitarian pressures on neighboring states and foster economic interdependence that strengthens long-term stability. In practical terms, this could mean smoother trade corridors, a more predictable flow of goods and services and reduced pressure on social and health services in Jordan and Lebanon — benefits that extend well beyond national borders. Beyond the economic and political ramifications, these agreements carry a human dimension. Syria’s prolonged conflict has displaced millions and destroyed livelihoods, leaving families vulnerable and communities fragmented. Investments in energy, transport and urban infrastructure will directly impact ordinary Syrians, offering access to basic services, restoring a sense of normality and creating opportunities for sustainable livelihoods. By prioritizing projects that intersect with the daily realities of the population, Saudi Arabia sets a precedent for reconstruction that is people-centered, rather than merely symbolic. This emphasis on tangible human impact is essential if postconflict stability is to take root and endure.
Moreover, Riyadh’s engagement represents a model of proactive regional leadership. Too often, the Levant has been a theater where external powers impose solutions from the outside, leaving local actors marginalized and reconstruction efforts fragmented. By contrast, Saudi Arabia’s approach demonstrates that large-scale, regionally driven economic partnerships can catalyze stability while simultaneously promoting political normalization. The agreements are not only a lifeline for Syria’s reconstruction — they are an invitation for other regional stakeholders to participate in shaping a future in which stability is achieved through investment, collaboration and shared economic interest. There is also a geopolitical dimension that cannot be ignored. Syria’s reintegration into the Arab economic sphere challenges decades of isolationist policies and recalibrates regional balances. Economic engagement by Saudi Arabia signals that the country is no longer to be treated as a political outcast, creating both opportunities and responsibilities. Ultimately, Saudi Arabia’s agreements with Syria are more than financial contracts — they are a test case for the role of regional leadership in fostering postconflict stability. They demonstrate that diplomacy, commerce and humanitarian concern can operate in concert to rebuild fractured societies. If other stakeholders in the region adopt similar strategies, prioritizing proactive engagement over isolation, the Levant could witness a profound shift from chronic instability toward a new era of recovery, cooperation and growth. For Syria, for Jordan, for Lebanon and for the broader region, the stakes could not be higher.
The challenge now lies in execution. Success will depend on careful coordination, transparency and an inclusive approach that ensures reconstruction benefits reach the Syrian people and not only political elites. It will also require ensuring that projects align with local needs and that investments are implemented efficiently, with accountability mechanisms that prevent corruption and mismanagement. If these conditions are met, the Kingdom’s bold step could mark the beginning of a transformative chapter for Syria — a model for how regional leadership, investment and vision can turn the page on conflict and offer a path toward stability, prosperity and hope in a region long defined by strife. In a region where conflict has too often been compounded by inaction, the Saudi-Syrian agreements are a tangible demonstration that engagement, investment and shared responsibility can produce meaningful outcomes. By prioritizing economic reconstruction and human development, Saudi Arabia is charting a path that not only restores infrastructure but also restores confidence in the region’s capacity to recover and thrive.The coming years will be crucial: if implemented wisely, these agreements could serve as a blueprint for regional cooperation, proving that economic integration, rather than isolation, is the most effective instrument for long-term stability.
**Hani Hazaimeh is a senior editor based in Amman. X: @hanihazaimeh

Epstein saga hits Starmer hard, but he should not resign
Mohamed Chebaro/Arab News/February 11, 2026
One could easily ask: Why the fuss about the Epstein files and the calls for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to resign for his appointment of the colorful politician Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to the US, despite his clear links to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein?
Is it a storm in a teacup stirred up by the opposition parties, mainly the Conservatives and Reform UK? Or is it a clear failure by Starmer and his team, who prided themselves on running for office on tight parameters surrounding integrity in politics? Or has it been stirred by the left wing of the Labour Party? Or is it an excuse for attempting to depose Starmer for his poor performance as prime minister, 18 months since he took office. He has been accused of treading too carefully and not being radical enough on many complex files and in his efforts to reboot the broken Britain he inherited.
The saga of late US sex offender Epstein, who is accused of the sex trafficking of underage girls to a wide-ranging elite, has been delivering tornado-like storms, upending politics in various parts of the world — and Britain is no exception. The choice of Mandelson to be ambassador to the US, while knowing that he was a friend of the convicted sex abuser, was an error of judgment and two of Starmer’s closest aides this week stepped aside for advising the PM to appoint him.
Everyone in Britain knows what a controversial politician Mandelson has been, but what is causing the fury is what has been seeping out of the Epstein files, particularly Mandelson’s sharing of sensitive government files with him in 2009. Similar accusations have been leveled at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former prince and brother of King Charles, who is alleged to have shared with Epstein official British trade documents in 2010, leaking information ​from his then-official role as a UK government envoy. The issue goes beyond Starmer and his appointment of a political personality known for his ties to Epstein.
The actions of both Mountbatten-Windsor and Mandelson are being investigated by the police and maybe it should remain a matter for them to investigate, including shedding light on Epstein’s dealings and who he might have reported to.
I find it ironic that some people — including Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar — are calling for Starmer to resign when the issue goes beyond him and his appointment of a political personality known for his ties to Epstein. It extends to some influential political circles that made Mandelson an ideal pick to represent the UK in Washington, specifically because he was a veteran operative, familiar with the machinery and contacts deemed important to represent the UK and smooth its interests during the era of Donald Trump and all its controversies and uncertainties.
If anything, Starmer’s appointment of Mandelson should be seen as one that helped shield the country from Trump’s tariffs and his arbitrary decisions. Yes, Mandelson might have had a tarnished reputation and been a controversial politician — and the revelations about him that have just come out are damning — but that does not warrant the ousting of Starmer. Many other issues could lead to Starmer’s ouster, especially his government’s lack of direction, but not his political integrity, even if there was a failure in this case. What is even more bizarre is the fact that the Epstein files have suddenly become a political football and a means to settle scores, when they should be about looking more deeply at politics and the normalization of the seedy playgrounds of the rich and powerful, from politics to finance.
The collusion of money and politics is as old as the state and society. And with it comes exploitation and abuse for the entertainment of the entitled. And it is not strange for executives to yearn to join influential clubs similar to Epstein’s. Those elitist gatherings, with their many shady activities, have been the envy of everyone in politics, finance and influential circles of any sort. Not everyone who frequented them was a pervert or sex offender, but for sure those events were a means to advance political and financial power, as the Epstein files have revealed.
The Epstein saga must educate us that the world’s richest and most powerful people will always bend the rules. Transparency International has warned that the world stands at the beginning of a new and dangerous era, in which big money dominates in a way that corrodes politics. Though the anticorruption institution focused on the US in its warning, one could not fail to see that bankers and politicians became too friendly in the 1990s and after the financial crisis of 2008. Though those powerful players were humbled, the setback was only short-lived, as politicians everywhere have become more and more at the mercy of corporations and tech giants, with these entrepreneurs’ front-row attendance at Trump’s inauguration standing witness to this if anyone was in any doubt.
The Epstein saga must educate us that the world’s richest and most powerful people will always bend the rules. But what is at stake is even greater, as the public is slowly losing all trust in politicians and institutions. As a result, the social contract between the rulers and the ruled is changing, with implications for states and societies alike.I am not sure removing Starmer would boost Britain’s interests or clean up its politics. A better conversation would be to find avenues to prevent collusion between politicians and bankers, while finding the means to prevent more Epstein sagas in the future. A clearer line needs to be drawn between public service and the private sector, with its many limitless and unscrupulous temptations.
**Mohamed Chebaro is a British-Lebanese journalist with more than 25 years’ experience covering war, terrorism, defense, current affairs and diplomacy.

Saudi Arabia, Turkiye seek broader cooperation to ease regional crises
Hassan Al-Mustafa/Arab News/February 11, 2026
Saudi-Turkish relations are growing stronger by the day, offering a model for the easing of tensions by setting aside contentious issues, expanding areas of common ground and sustaining serious dialogue. This approach has helped both sides narrow their differences — not by ignoring them, but by managing them — while prioritizing shared challenges and risks. These include Riyadh and Ankara’s efforts to ease the humanitarian suffering in Gaza and push for an end to Israeli hostilities, while they also share a commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. They also stress the importance of preserving Syria’s unity and rejecting any attempt to divide it, while calling for reduced tensions across the Middle East to prevent a new military confrontation between Israel and the US on one side and Iran on the other.
On the sidelines of the World Defense Show in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding for the joint production of the Gokbey general purpose helicopter in the Kingdom. The agreement enables long-term cooperation in joint production, building on advanced technological capabilities. This collaboration comes after Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman and his Turkish counterpart, Alparslan Bayraktar, last week signed a $2 billion solar energy investment agreement. In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Energy said that agreement aims to “enhance cooperation between the two countries in the fields of renewable energy and green technologies,” while also supporting the development and implementation of high-quality projects that diversify the energy mix and enhance energy security.
Relations between Riyadh and Ankara are steadily moving toward deeper mutual understanding. These developments reflect how relations between Riyadh and Ankara are steadily moving toward deeper mutual understanding — an approach underscored by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s reception of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during his visit to Riyadh last week. The visit featured an official meeting between the two leaders at a time of rising political and security risks in the Middle East, underscoring the summit’s significance. Riyadh and Ankara are also intensifying their efforts to ease tensions between the US and Iran, urging both sides to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy as the safest path toward lasting agreements that spare the region the repercussions of a new war.
Politically, the “closing statement” of Erdogan’s visit reflected broad alignment on several key issues, most notably Gaza and the Board of Peace. Riyadh and Ankara’s decision to join the board, launched by US President Donald Trump in January, signals a pragmatic choice to act as founding partners shaping the Gaza peace plan’s second phase, rather than limiting their role to oversight. This coordination helps safeguard Arab and Islamic principles, foremost the establishment of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, while supporting constructive engagement in international initiatives to ensure reconstruction and protect civilians.
Regarding the security and stability of Syria, where both countries maintain good relations with the new authorities, both sides stressed the need to preserve the country’s territorial unity and support the “independent national committee.”
Saudi-Turkish cooperation on Syria can help curb attempts to divide the country, while providing the political and financial backing needed to rebuild state institutions and prevent Syria from once again becoming a haven for terrorist groups. It also encourages the new authorities to take more decisive steps toward building an inclusive national state in which all Syrians participate, regardless of ethnic or sectarian affiliation. Without stability and genuine participation, Syria risks becoming a failed state and an increasing burden on its neighbors — an outcome that would carry a heavy regional cost, undermine peace and give Israel further incentives to entrench its hold over the territories it occupies and exploit an atmosphere of fear and chaos.
The Iranian issue has pushed Saudi Arabia and Turkiye to work to reduce the likelihood of escalation
The Iranian issue — now more urgent amid a heightened risk of military action against Tehran — has pushed Saudi Arabia and Turkiye to work to reduce the likelihood of escalation. This is not because they agree with Iran’s foreign policy but because both countries recognize the severe consequences of a military confrontation and favor diplomacy and sustained dialogue between Tehran and Washington to reach a lasting agreement. Any deal should curb Iran’s destabilizing activities, ensure the peaceful nature of its nuclear program and remove any pretexts Israel might use to pursue a war from which it would seek to benefit.The Saudi-Turkish summit struck a tone of dialogue and pragmatism, with Erdogan expressing his country’s readiness to play a facilitating role in easing tensions between Tehran and Washington. Riyadh, for its part, maintained its approach of managing relations with Tehran through diplomatic channels, while stressing its rejection of any interference that violates the sovereignty of neighboring states and its commitment to the framework of the Beijing Agreement signed in 2023.
In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Erdogan stressed that “our aim is not to manage conflict but to jointly strengthen the diplomatic groundwork that will prevent it from arising in the first place.” He added that Turkiye’s relationship with Saudi Arabia “carries a strategic significance for the peace, stability and prosperity of our region as a whole.”Overall, Riyadh and Ankara appear to be working to build a regional safety net rooted in cooperation among the region’s states, reducing disputes and harmful competition, making development a shared priority, and treating economic integration as a foundation for stronger, more stable countries. In this context, security is the prerequisite — and that is precisely what both sides are pushing to strengthen.
**Hassan Al-Mustafa is a Saudi writer and researcher interested in Islamic movements, the development of religious discourse, and the relationship between GCC states and Iran. X: @Halmustafa

X Platform Selected twittes for 11/2026
Hussain Abdul-Hussain
On Sky News Arabia with Michella Haddad:
1. No one deploys all these military assets, at such a cost, for maneuver only. If President Trump turns back without forcing Iran to give up its nuclear and ballistic missile programs—whether by war or peace—it will exact a heavy political toll on him.
2. Military assets cannot remain on high alert and in the middle of the sea indefinitely, so the standoff with Iran must be resolved soon, by war or peace.
3. America can decimate the Iranian regime but is worried about what happens next. If Khamenei survives, he will declare victory, and that will be bad optics for Washington. If Khamenei is gone, one would hope U.S. intelligence agencies are in touch with replacement.
4. Israel is strong militarily but lacks the tools to pursue post-war goals. Look at Syria, where regime change came on the back of Israeli military power. The outcome has favored Turkey and some Gulf countries—and even America, which has befriended Damascus—more than it has suited Israel. The “New Middle East” is a fairytale. There is no conspiracy in the works to create one, only daily decisions on how to proceed as events unfold: more crisis management than long-term planning

Lokman Slim Foundation
This is a first in Lebanon, which would not have been possible without the regime change in Syria and the weakening of Hezbollah, who were the two main sponsors of these murders during the civil war. With photos of Edouard Elias, one of the four French journalists hostage in Syria, an exhibition looks back at the locations, survivors, and even the objects of the victims. A topography of crime in the world of political assassination.
C'est une première au Liban, qui n'aurait pas été possible sans le changement de régime en Syrie et l'affaiblissement du Hezbollah, qui, à eux deux constituaient les deux principaux commanditaires de ces assassinats pendant la guerre civile. Avec des photos d'Edouard Elias, l'un des quatre journalistes français otage en Syrie, une exposition revient sur les lieux, les survivants, voire les objets des victimes. Une topographie du crime dans l’univers de l’assassinat politique.