The Cover Story this week centred on the US-Saudi nuclear agreement that was signed, announced, then thrown into chaos. Our writers looked at it from different angles, but Bilal Y. Saab had the most definitive take.

When it comes to Lebanon, Israel is not 'fighting smart,' says Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. Hezbollah must be defeated, says Tel Aviv, but at what cost, ask the Lebanese. Frederic C. Hof dissects the issues.

From a more internationalist standpoint, Lina Khatib pens a fascinating and thought-provoking article on the case for a global coalition for maritime security. She takes us through how it could happen.

Meanwhile, in Europe, the French right-wing populist Marine Le Pen was convicted of embezzlement but nevertheless told she could run in next year's presidential election, one her party could win. Khattar Abu Diab assesses the situation. 

In our ever-popular Opinion section, Alia Mansour argues that the latest handshake between Beirut and Tel Aviv could be a game-changer. In the task of defeating Hezbollah, they are now working together. A landmark moment? 

In Yemen, there may have been another momentous development, with the Houthis targeting Saudi ships and the Saudis bombing Yemen's main airport. Saud al-Masaud says Riyadh's patience may finally have snapped. 

Over in Syria, there was another big moment in the country's restive north-east, when the governor's convoy ran into trouble. There are few more qualified to understand the implications than Haid Haid.

In Business, Egypt's government desperately needs investment, and there are hotels in Sharm el-Sheikh in need of renovation. Marcelle Nasr shows how investors and the treasury could come up with a win-win.

At opposite ends, farmers in southern Lebanon have been left distraught at the devastation inflicted on their land, crops, livestock, and equipment by Israeli soldiers. Thuraya Shahin surveils the damage.

In Culture, our writer Nesrein al-Bakhshawanji speaks to the novelist Paula Erizanu about her latest book and the task of reclaiming Moldova's history one story at a time.

From literature to the (very) big screen, and Azzedine Bourkia gives a wonderful, enlightening, and intensely interesting take on a very old story being brought to life in IMAX by one of the world's best directors, Sir Christopher Nolan. 

Finally, our Profile this week is on Israel's former army chief Gadi Eisenkot, who looks like being Benjamin Netanyahu's principal challenger in the upcoming October elections. Michael Horowitz takes a closer look.