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
Biden administration extends temporary protections for Syrians Under the extension, more than 6,700 Syrians will retain their special immigration status through September 2022. Syria
Why Assad is scaling down military readiness across Syria Due to the military budget deficit and in a bid to absorb the anger of loyalists and army soldiers, the Syrian regime decided to scale down the readiness of its army and armed forces. Syria
Syrian businessman denies ties to Beirut explosives Businessman George Haswani told Reuters the accusations against him are a fabrication. Lebanon
What Navalny case says about Russia’s approach in Syria The case of Russia opposition figure Alexey Navalny — and the Kremlin's reaction to his investigations — tells a lot about Moscow's approach to the conflict in Syria. Syria
Thefts on rise in Idlib amid rising poverty Hardly a day goes by in Idlib areas without a civilian being robbed of a car, motorcycle or other property, triggering yet more fears and concerns for residents. Syria
Russia uses regime-SDF tensions to expand presence in northeast Syria Syrian Democratic Forces continue to besiege the Syrian regime in Hasakah province in northeastern Syria, amid fears of an escalation between the two parties. Syria
Turkey enraged by Clintons' TV show exalting Syrian Kurdish women fighters Turkey’s state-run press agency is churning out angry coverage of former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and her daughter Chelsea producing a TV series about the Syrian Kurdish women fighters who were key in defeating the Islamic State. Syria
As Syrian regime touts reopening, Iran continues to lurk at Aleppo airport International air traffic has resumed at Aleppo International Airport, but it is believed to remain under the control of Iranian forces. Syria
Is Russia exploiting Iranian weakness in east Syria? Iranian forces are concerned about losing their influence and their members in Syria’s Deir ez-Zor province in favor of the formations supported by Russia. Syria
UN-led Syria Constitution talks resume in Geneva Representatives from the Syrian government, opposition and civil society are meeting this week to discuss the “basic principles” of a future Syrian charter. Syria
Turkey faces mysterious jihadi enemies in Idlib Turkish forces continue to expand their presence around the key M4 highway in Idlib as attacks by new groups fuel uncertainties in the rebel-held region. Syria
Meet the Syrian who saved cats from regime shelling A group of volunteers is providing shelter for animals that were wounded due to the shelling or those abandoned by their owners and putting them in a sanctuary that was built in Idlib in northern Syria. Syria