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
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham shuts down arms stores across Idlib The Syrian Salvation Government in Idlib issued a decision to shut down all weapons stores in the areas under its control as a result of accidental shootings and explosions taking place inside these stores. Syria
Russia, Iran compete for influence in Syria via private security companies Private security companies in Syria with ties to Russian and Iranian forces are busily recruiting young men with attractive salaries. Syria
Syria reports Israeli airstrikes in south The news follows reports of suspected Israeli airstrikes against Iranian and Syrian military targets in the country in December and January. Syria
The Takeaway: Egypt welcomes US mediation to help break high-stakes deadlock over Nile dam Motaz Zahran, Egypt’s ambassador to the United States, says Ethiopia has "no political will" to resolve dam dispute; who’s buying Golani’s makeover?; former ambassador to United States says Israel needs "united front" against Iran nuclear deal; Egypt’s first female mixed martial arts fighter. Egypt
US-backed Syrian Kurdish unity talks to resume amid mounting distrust Although talks are set to resume this week, the prospects of a Syrian Kurdish unity deal seem more elusive than ever, with plenty of sticking points threatening to sink the effort. Syria
Al-Qaeda-linked leader again descends on Idlib streets to polish his image Once more, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in Syria’s Idlib is making appearances in public places and visiting camps in a bid to present himself as a popular leader and to have his organization’s name removed from the international terrorist list. Syria
Triple car bombings in Turkey-occupied Syria draw UN condemnation Bombings in Afrin, Azaz and a village near al-Bab claimed at least 18 lives this weekend. Syria
How car bombs are making their way into northern Syria As local councils in northern Syria, which is under the control of Turkish-backed rebels, fail to make car dealers obtain licenses and register their offices, chaos prevails in the car market, as car bombs and explosions claim the lives of dozens of civilians. Syria
Syrian regime forces Homs residents to reopen their shops Regime-affiliated authorities in Syria’s central province of Homs are threatening shopkeepers to reopen their shops or risk confiscation of their properties by the regime. Syria
First women's bike race diversifies sport in Syria A group of women has established the first cycling organization in northeastern Syria and held its first bike race in the city of Amuda, all part of an effort to encourage women to ride bicycles and promote green transportation. Syria
Islamic State relies on money transfers from sympathizers in Turkey, Iraq: Report Almost two years since its territorial defeat, the terror group still has access to $100 million in cash reserves, according to the US government. Syria
Flooding renders thousands of displaced Syrians homeless in northwest Weeks of heavy rains have created immense hardship for Idlib residents, who are already contending with the war between rebel groups and the government. Syria