AMMAN -- Deciding it will longer remain on the sidelines of regional politicking that is playing out in Lebanon, Egypt has launched a diplomatic offensive to confront Syrian-Iranian influence in the country, which it sees as a threat to other Arab regimes.

AMMAN – The team of U.S. President-elect Barack Obama may be considering an Israeli idea that the Jewish state and Lebanon aim to forge a non-belligerent treaty within three months of launching talks in February, which is just one month into the Barack presidency. But its success depends on the support of Hezbollah.

AMMAN -- The foreign ministers of Syria and Lebanon formally launched diplomatic ties in a historic move that many hope marks the beginning of a new relationship that sees them as equals. But some observers in Beirut say they need time to fully trust Damascus.

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.