On eighth visit, Israel’s Netanyahu seeks to repair ties with Trump Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to focus on Iran in his Tuesday meeting with President Donald Trump, while the US leader is more likely to want to discuss Lebanon and Syria. United States
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran says it doesn’t seek to resume negotiations with Washington Sharaa says Syria seeks security deal with Israel; Red Sea shipping slows after Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Syria arrivals surge 111% as government bets on tourism revival The country welcomed 3.52 million visitors during the first half of 2026, more than double the figure recorded a year earlier, as the government pushes to reconnect to the world and promote tourism as a pillar of economic recovery. Syria
Syria seizes arms shipment on Iraq border destined for Hezbollah The operation comes as part of the Syrian authorities' efforts to curb illicit arms smuggling through its territory, namely intended for Hezbollah. Lebanon
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran declares 'existential war' as US strikes reach near Tehran By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Kremlin confirms S-400 talks with Turkey By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
How Syrian refugees contributed to Turkish economy Syrians have established nearly 14,000 companies in Turkey. Syria
Young Syrians flee regime areas for Turkey Dozens of young men from areas controlled by the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) cross daily smuggling routes to the areas under the Syrian opposition to reach Turkey and flee to Europe to escape conscription in the Syrian army. Syria
Political, military wings of Islamist movement clash in Idlib Ahrar al-Sham, which was once one of the largest factions of the Syrian armed opposition in Idlib, has formed a new leadership council that is being perceived as a coup against the movement’s political leaders, who fear the group's integration into Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Syria
Russia to build floating dock off Syrian coast Russia's repair shop in Tartus is working to build a floating dock, greatly expanding the capabilities of the military base. Syria
Irish woman accused of Islamic State membership wins right to visit family in UK Lisa Smith's case has prompted comparisons to Shamima Begum, whose British citizenship was revoked after she went to Islamic State territory in Syria. Syria
Turkey offers to supply electricity to Idlib Ankara is working to supply electricity to Idlib province, which is controlled by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, in its latest effort to establish an economic foothold there. Syria
Intel: UN finds undeclared chemical weapons stockpile in Syria The Syrian government is not being transparent with chemical weapons inspections, say UN officials. Syria
Syrian Kurdish leader says US should stay in Syria regardless of who is president President of Executive Committee of the Syrian Democratic Council Ilham Ahmed spoke at a virtual event at the DC-based Newlines Institute today. Syria
Camp residents in northwest Syria struggle to secure clean water Some camp residents in northwestern Syria lack clean water, and despite all the efforts made by organizations in this field, some still find it difficult to obtain drinking water, especially with the approaching summer season. Syria
Why are Syrian refugees returning from Turkey? More Syrian refugees are expected to return home from Turkey this year if the Turkish authorities continue to impose lockdowns to curb the spread of COVID-19. Syria
Saudi Arabia’s intelligence chief meets with Syrian counterpart in Damascus The meeting takes place during the first official visit to Damascus by Saudi Arabia since 2012. Saudi Arabia
Syria’s presidential elections, explained Described as a farce by opponents, Syria’s upcoming presidential elections are designed to keep President Bashar al-Assad in power until at least 2028. Syria
