News of the disappearance of two young American journalists who were traveling in Lebanon Wednesday comes as a frightening reminder of dark days of the not too distant past. NEWS UPDATE: Syria Holding Pair.

Iran seems to be gaining ground and influence in the Levant, much to the detriment of the United States, its European allies and pro-democracy movements in the region. Indeed, recent developments in the Middle East have not unfolded entirely in favor of the United States or its other ally in the region, Lebanon.

JERUSALEM -- The war of words between Israel and Iran, and their proxies and paymasters, is becoming more belligerent as the Middle Easts two arch-enemies display their military prowess before the international media in a further attempt to intimidate each other.

AMMAN -- As Lebanese President Michel Suleiman was preparing to start a landmark visit to Damascus on Wednesday, a massive bomb blast killed at least 14 people, mostly soldiers, in the northern Lebanese port city of Tripoli, which has in recent weeks been torn by sectarian clashes.

AMMAN -- Two weeks after the formation of a unity government in Lebanon and 13 heated meetings later, the new Lebanese cabinet on Friday evening is due to release a policy statement after reaching a compromise on Hezbollah weapons.

AMMAN -- The stark difference between a scene of jubilation in Lebanon and grief in Israel as prisoners and remains were exchanged with Hezbollah on Wednesday underlined what both sides generally view as a triumph for the Lebanese guerrilla group and a defeat for Israel in their ongoing conflict.

JERUSALEM -- Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora announced earlier this month that the upcoming prisoner swap between Lebanon and Israel constitutes a "national success" for Lebanon; a significant triumph over Israel. Many people in Israel share this view. The deal is widely considered a failure in Israels deterrence power; proof of the futility of the last war between the two countries.

Ten dead and about 50 wounded in two days. This is the result of armed clashes between supporters of the ruling majority and opposition in the city of Tripoli in northern Lebanon. It is the deadliest unrest since 80 people died in rioting in early May.

AMMAN -- There is little that the new president of Lebanon, Michel Suleiman, can do to push toward political stability at this time, as he, like the rest of the Lebanese, waits for the countrys bickering politicians to agree on the formation of what has to be a unity government.

What the Arab papers said on June 12: