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
US envoy holds talks in Ankara as Turkey threatens to invade Syria James Jeffrey, the special representative on Syria, met with senior Turkish officials amid renewed threats Ankara could send forces to a region controlled by a US-allied militia. Syria
Life is no bowl of cherries in Idlib's groves Constant shelling by regime forces has disrupted Idlib's centuries-old tradition of cultivating cherry groves. Syria
Kurds gain support, perhaps invitation to Syrian talks There appear to be serious attempts to include the Kurds in the negotiations aimed at resolving the Syrian crisis. Syria
How Russian business could shape Mideast's future security architecture Russia has been engaged in the Levantine oil and gas sectors for some time, but now Moscow could use that foothold to help build lasting security in the region. Iraq
Syria safe zone: Can US reconcile conflicting demands of Turkey, YPG A US delegation is visiting Turkey for "safe zone" talks amid the Turkish army's increasing activities along the Syrian border, which are signaling a possible new military operation. Syria
Special Forces face down impacts of war on terror The Pentagon’s Special Operations Command is planning to study the impacts of the 17-year war on terror in the Middle East on the force. Near East
While the world focuses on Iran, a tragedy is ‘unfolding before our eyes’ in Idlib Trump asks Putin to protect Idlib; Putin seeks options to capitalize on impasse in Syria safe zone talks; Russia wins on S-400 sale to Turkey. Syria
PMU decree unlikely to shift power balance in Iraq's Qaim As some Popular Mobilization Units prepare to comply with the prime minister’s recent decree incorporating them into other national security forces, the Shiite-led, non-local PMU seem to have the final say for now over who enters this Iraqi border city and who crosses into and out of Syria. Syria
Can Russia, the US find new basis for cooperation in Syria? A US-Russian quid pro quo in Syria may still be possible if the parties get down to the nitty-gritty of their respective interests in the country. Legacy: Gulf
Will Erdogan risk an operation in Syria? Turkish media reports suggest that an incursion by the Turkish army east of the Euphrates is imminent. Syria
Iraq plans to launch pipelines to export oil through Jordan, Syria Iraq plans to diversify its oil exports via new pipelines through Jordan and Syria. Iraq
Syrian Kurdistan focus of foreign diplomatic attention The United States, Britain, France and Saudi Arabia are seeing eye to eye on proposals to secure northeastern Syria. Syria
