An audio recording of Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif was leaked last week to a Persian news channel in London. The highlight of the audio was his criticism of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), particularly the revered late commander Qassem Soleimani.

Amid speculation that the formation of a new Lebanese government is imminent following last week’s speech by Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, in which he said the time has come to form a government, the Lebanese people have little to hope for.

With the words “Where are you taking us,” Lebanese army commander Gen. Joseph Aoun last week addressed the country’s political elite. For the first time, the head of the military showed a confrontational attitude toward the civilian authority.

Pope Francis is visiting Najaf, which will be a moment of great significance. Christians not only in Iraq, but all over the Arab world, are rejoicing. Since the eruption of the so-called Arab Spring and the turbulence that came with it, Christians have been among the most affected.