For now, links to commentary from the Cradle, and to TWO reports from the Cradle and Reuters; others or just headlines are accessible by clicking on their names as highlighted. (Scroll down for LEBANON 3-22-26.  Scroll up for today’s IRAQ, IRAN and WEST BANK so far.) — MCM

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FROM MARCH 20  Power play over Lebanon’s unity, by Tamjid Kobaissy | The Cradle  A new political confrontation is taking shape in Lebanon – one that risks placing the national army in direct opposition to the country’s most powerful resistance force. READ MORE . . .

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Lebanon expels Iranian ambassador citing ‘violation of diplomatic norms.’ From the Cradle. The Lebanese government has decided to withdraw its approval for the accreditation of Iran’s ambassador to the country, Mohammad Reza Sheibani, declaring him “persona non grata” and giving him until next Sunday to leave Lebanon. READ MORE . . .

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FROM MARCH 23  Israeli minister calls for annexation of southern Lebanon, by Tamar Uriel-Beeri and Maya Gebeily | Reuters  JERUSALEM / BEIRUT — Israel should extend its border with Lebanon up to the Litani River deep inside the country’s south, Israel’s finance minister said on Monday as Israeli troops bombed bridges and destroyed homes in the area in an escalating military assault. READ MORE . . .

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TO BE CONTINUED