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
Syria, US hold first business forum since sanctions relief: What to know The one-day forum in Damascus was organized by Syria’s Ministry of Economy and Industry and the US-Syria Business Council, which was established in Washington last June to advance trade and investment between the two nations. Syria
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Kremlin confirms S-400 talks with Turkey By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran hits Gulf, warns Hormuz will reopen on its terms By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Netanyahu maintains battle against Iran deal ahead of UN meeting The Israeli leadership fears that with the US administration leaving Syria in Russian hands and its inaction toward North Korea, no one will stop Tehran from placing its forces near Israel’s borders. Israel
The business of war: Egypt, others eye reconstruction bids Despite lingering security concerns, Egypt is seeking a substantial, lucrative role in rebuilding Syria and Iraq. Egypt
Ancient Syrian mosaics crumble under weight of war The war in Syria has destroyed many of its ancient mosaics and threatens the craft of making them. Syria
Don’t let Islamic State slip the noose in Syria As Russia beefs up its offensive in Syria, the situation there looks promising, but it’s time for Moscow and Washington to cooperate in a final push to eliminate the Islamic State. Syria
Shiite iconography electrifies Iranians on Syria The beheading of an Iranian fighter on the Syrian frontier is proving to be a watershed moment in the Iranian public’s view of the country’s military intervention in Syria. Syria
Will Russia tolerate Israeli actions in Syria? The large IDF drill near Israel’s northern borders, sends a clear message to Hezbollah: if the organization decides to attack Israel, Israel won’t hesitate to destroy Lebanon’s infrastructure. Israel
FSA relocating to outside Syria's liberated areas The Free Syrian Army factions in areas liberated in northern Syria are moving their forces out of cities and towns to the outskirts in an effort to end clashes with civilians and ease the minds of returning residents. Syria
Is Saudi Arabia 'ready to turn page' on Iran? A shifting regional landscape may force a reset in Riyadh and Tehran; armed groups backed by the United States and Turkey battle outside Aleppo. Saudi Arabia
US looks to Russia to avoid run-ins with Syrian troops in Deir ez-Zor The Pentagon is considering expanding its de-confliction agreements with Moscow as Bashar al-Assad’s forces and US-backed rebels both turn their attention to eastern Syria. Iraq
Will Abbas be forced to choose war against Israel? Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is starting to understand that the current situation cannot go on for much longer and soon he will have to choose between peace and war. Palestine
Palestinian refugees to return to Damascus camp after four years in the dark While the return of civilians to Damascus’ Sbeineh refugee camp has already begun, the road to full recovery for these camps remains long. Syria
Despite tension, Syrian refugees find sympathy in Lebanese villages While Lebanon’s impoverished border towns are generally more concerned with pre-existing hardships than those brought by Syrian refugees, some xenophobia has crept into these areas. Lebanon