Egypt's first parliamentary elections since the military coup saw low voter turnout, particularly among the youth, who are disillusioned with the current government. Many young Egyptians, like Sami Ibrahim, are frustrated with the political repression and lack of democratic progress, leading some to consider emigration. The Muslim Brotherhood boycotted the vote, and conspiracy theories about foreign interference are prevalent. The article highlights the ongoing political and social challenges in Egypt, including high youth unemployment and the impact of past and present political regimes.

The Islamic State's takeover of Ramadi has severely impacted healthcare in Anbar province, with hospitals looted and medical staff detained. Displaced residents face dire conditions, and those who reach Baghdad find overwhelmed hospitals. The Iraqi Ministry of Health's reduced budget, due to falling oil prices and war efforts, exacerbates the crisis. Doctors face violence and psychological stress, leading many to flee the country. The article highlights the urgent need for more hospital beds and better healthcare infrastructure amidst ongoing violence.

Lebanon's capital, Beirut, faces a potential collapse of its partially-destroyed grain silos, a remnant of the 2020 explosion. The silos, which absorbed much of the blast's impact, are now structurally unsound and pose significant risks, including health hazards from rotting grain. Swiss engineer Emmanuel Durand and microtoxicologist Andre El Khoury highlight the urgent need for deconstruction and monitoring, but financial constraints and governmental inefficiency hinder progress. The situation underscores Lebanon's broader struggles with infrastructure and public safety amid economic collapse.

Lebanon is facing severe dysfunction with ongoing civil strikes at most government offices due to insufficient salaries, exacerbated by the collapse of the Lebanese lira. The strikes have disrupted various sectors, including air traffic control, criminal prosecutions, and public services, causing significant inconvenience to citizens. The government has failed to approve a new budget or salary increases, leading to a lack of basic supplies in ministries. The situation is further complicated by the recent elections, leaving a caretaker government with limited authority. The International Labor Organization and local activist groups highlight the structural deficits and call for urgent government action to address the crisis.

Lebanon's newly-formed government is set to receive $1.135 billion from the IMF's Special Drawing Rights, providing a much-needed liquidity boost amid severe financial and political crises. However, experts argue that this funding is insufficient to address the country's deep-rooted economic issues, exacerbated by corruption, mismanagement, and the effects of COVID-19. The new government, led by Prime Minister Najib Mikati, aims to resume negotiations with the IMF for a bailout but faces skepticism due to past failures to implement necessary reforms. Transparency and proper utilization of funds are highlighted as critical for any meaningful recovery.

Lebanon is facing a profound crisis, exacerbated by the Beirut port explosion on August 4, 2020, which caused extensive damage and casualties. A year later, the investigation has stalled with no charges, despite evidence of government officials' prior knowledge of the risks. The country's economic collapse is among the worst in modern history, with the Lebanese lira losing 90% of its value against the dollar since 2019. The political class, largely unchanged since the civil war, continues to resist reforms demanded by the IMF and donor nations. Grassroots challenges and independent political victories offer some hope for change, but the entrenched sectarian power-sharing system remains a significant obstacle. The situation is dire for Lebanese citizens and refugees alike, with many facing extreme poverty and a lack of basic necessities.

Hizbollah has increased its influence in Lebanon through military operations against militants and by facilitating the return of Syrian refugees. Their efforts have been recognized as improving security in Lebanon since 2014. Despite internal criticism for their involvement in the Syrian civil war, Hizbollah has transitioned into a force capable of large-scale offensives. Their coordination with the Lebanese army and potential implications for US military aid are noted. Political accommodations with other Lebanese parties have also been made, changing the political landscape. The future role of Hizbollah in the fight against ISIL in northern Lebanon is yet to be determined.

Saad Hariri's supporters in Lebanon show little hope for change following his resignation as prime minister amid political tensions. The lack of large rallies is attributed to a government ban on demonstrations and pessimism about resolving the issues leading to his resignation. Hariri, who announced his decision from Saudi Arabia, is compared unfavorably to his father, Rafik Hariri, and is seen as lacking political acumen. Despite this, he remains a key figure for Lebanon's Sunni community. Economic concerns are also pressing, with fears of Saudi sanctions against Hizbollah affecting Lebanese workers in Saudi Arabia. Some supporters criticize Saudi interference, while others express a desire to avoid conflict with Hizbollah due to the threat from Israel. Hariri's financial difficulties and reduced ability to act as a patron are also noted.

Lebanon's ongoing waste-disposal crisis and the open burning of rubbish have led to a significant increase in lung cancer cases, according to Dr. Ali Soufan. The crisis exemplifies the dysfunction of the Lebanese state, which has been labeled a 'failed state' by former prime minister Tammam Salam. Despite the formation of a government under Saad Hariri, Lebanon continues to face political and economic challenges, including corruption and the influence of non-state actors like Hizbollah. Human Rights Watch has reported on the health risks of garbage burning, and the Lebanese government faces criticism for failing to provide basic services. However, some experts and stakeholders express cautious optimism for the future, citing the potential for positive change with upcoming parliamentary elections and the need to build up the state and its economy.

Russia's defense minister Sergei Shoigu announced a permanent presence at two Syrian airbases, while Syrian opposition groups rejected Russia's proposed Sochi peace talks. Russia will maintain 11 warships at Tartous and use Hmeimim airbase indefinitely. Russia has supported President Bashar Assad's government since 2015, helping regain territory and declaring victory over ISIL. The U.S. continues to support eastern Syrian militias, with Russia accusing the U.S. of training terrorists. Syrian government forces are advancing on rebel pockets, raising concerns over weapon transfers from Syria to Lebanon. The UN-backed Geneva peace talks made no progress, and the Syrian opposition views the Sochi talks as an attempt to sidestep the UN process. The cessation of a CIA-run program has diminished rebel forces' leverage, with commanders like Raed Al Radi hoping for continued support for the Syrian cause.