Lebanon has rarely been out of the news since the 1970s but through all the years of political turmoil and refugee crises, there has always been one annual event to celebrate: the arrival of the new vintage of Chateau Musar.

Lebanese army tanks have pounded a shadowy group suspected of ties to al-Qaida, targeting its hideouts inside a Palestinian refugee camp after hours of clashes killed at least 22 soldiers and 17 militants.

The Spanish government declared today a day of mourning following the death of Saudi Arabia’s King Fahd, recalling the monarch’s contribution to peace in the Middle East and his strong ties with Spain.

Syria has promised to remove all its troops and intelligence agents from Lebanon by April 30, the UN envoy said today after meeting with Syria’s president and foreign minister.