The head of an American organisation focused on hostage releases said on Monday he believes U.S. journalist Austin Tice was still being held in Syria by people loyal to toppled leader Bashar al-Assad.

Lebanon now has a new government in waiting for the first time in two years after Nawaf Salam was nominated for prime minister.

Saudi Arabia, France, and the US were viewed as possible players behind the scenes dealings that saw Salam selected among Lebanese parties as the next prime minister, sidestepping the Hezbollah-Amal bloc which expected Najib Mikati to be given the designation.