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
Does the US have answer for Turkish threats against Syrian Kurds? Turkey also seeks sway in Salafi-controlled Idlib; Hamas inches closer to Iran, Hezbollah. Palestine
Ankara's offer to Moscow: Give us Afrin for Idlib As the situation in northern Syria heats up, the future of Idlib and Afrin depend on strategic bargaining between Ankara and Moscow. Syria
French shift on Syria could open doors in Russia France’s newly elected president has indicated he is open to talks that could leave Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in power, bringing the country closer to Russia’s stance. Saudi Arabia
Syrians brave dangers, mines to escape IS grip While fleeing the Islamic State, Syria’s Deir ez-Zor residents embark on a journey risking their lives while walking in minefields. Syria
Regional developments accelerate Hamas-Hezbollah reconciliation Hamas and Hezbollah leaders have recently held meetings in Beirut, suggesting an end to their cold dispute over the Syrian war, as the Gulf-Qatari crisis continues. Legacy: Gulf
White House warning meant to deter Syria chemical attack The Donald Trump administration made it clear to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s forces that it will not allow another gas attack. Syria
Turkey increasingly vocal against YPG’s foreign recruits Turkey is growing increasingly angry because foreign individuals, including some from the United States, are joining the ranks of Kurdish forces in Syria. Syria
Turkey's real target on way to Idlib: Kurds Turkey wants to be part of the de-escalation process in Syria, especially if that means it can multitask and wipe out the Kurdish corridor at the same time. Syria
Iran draws line in the sand in Syrian desert Iran stakes claim in eastern Syria; Saudi move against Hamas; Qatar risks confrontation in the Gaza Strip. Saudi Arabia
Syrian refugees in Turkey return home for holidays As Eid al-Fitr approaches, marking the end of Ramadan, Turkish authorities opened two border crossings with Syria so refugees can visit their homeland. Syria
Ankara sends reinforcements into northern Syria Turkish troops have entered northern Syria, sparking fears of a coalition-undermining attack on Syrian Kurdish forces. Syria
Kurds reaching critical juncture in US partnership The United States and Kurds currently share a partnership of convenience in Syria, but Kurds are looking ahead warily to the role they might be asked to play as US policy evolves. Saudi Arabia
