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
Congress pushes Trump to get tough on Idlib Congress is calling on the State Department to get tougher on calling out reported Syrian war crimes as forces loyal to the Bashar al-Assad regime attempt to advance deeper into Idlib, one of the opposition’s last holdouts in the war-torn country. Syria
Will Erdogan's plans for northern Syria be realized? Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan may keep everyone guessing about his next move in Syria, but it is not certain if he has clear plans himself. Syria
IS changes modus operandi in east of Euphrates The Syrian Democratic Forces banned wearing the niqab in the towns and villages of Raqqa after members of IS cells used it to carry out attacks. Syria
Four years in Syria, Russia expands military base, eyes challenges ahead After four years of fighting in Syria, Russia expands military facilities, but the nature of looming challenges is political. Syria
Looming dilemma for the US: Disarm the YPG or not? The Trump administration has to decide whether it will disarm the Syrian Democratic Forces and the People's Protection Units to assuage Turkey. Syria
Syrian opposition skeptical of Assad’s amnesty decision Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says he will pardon army deserters and release political detainees from prison, but his credibility is lacking because of his past reversals. Syria
Islamic State's money transfer network busted in Turkey A Turkish police operation exposed how the Islamic State can still run cross-border money transfer networks despite its defeat in Syria and Iraq. Syria
Regional powers jockey for influence in Deir ez-Zor protests Recent protests in Syria’s Deir ez-Zor, split between pro-regime and SDF forces, have raised questions about who will eventually exert control over the region, as heavily restricted access for independent journalists means information coming out of the area is scarce and narratives diverge. Syria
Syrian reconstruction expo draws Russian businesses Russian companies continue to explore investments in Syria's reconstruction, which could be a boon to them given the Western sanctions against Russia. Syria
Children in Daraa suffer in overcrowded classes When the opposition controlled Daraa in southern Syria, several organizations found innovative ways to continue teaching children, but after the regime took control, all these projects were suspended and children are forced to attend dilapidated and overcrowded schools. Syria
Erdogan's Syria plan: Resettling the Syrian refugees or ousting Kurds from their land? Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's remarks in United Nations indicate that Turkey has dangerous intentions about the east of Euphrates. Syria
Will Idlib’s displaced return under government pressure? The Syrian regime is accusing the opposition of preventing the return of the displaced in northern Hama through the recently opened Abu al-Duhur crossing. Syria