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
Rebel infighting puts more strain on hospitals in Syria's Ghouta In Eastern Ghouta, rebel infighting that erupted after the government forces lost control of the area has taken its toll on hospitals and medical facilities. Syria
Hundreds flee battles in Raqqa Hundreds of civilians in Raqqa are forced to flee their city as the battle to liberate it from the Islamic State rages on. Syria
'Day of the locusts' in Syria's Idlib A swarm of locusts have destroyed an estimated 60% of crops in Idlib province, threatening the livelihoods of thousands of residents. Syria
Second-term Rouhani likely to move closer to Russia Increasing multilateral and bilateral cooperation suggests that Iran and Russia may be on the path of eventually achieving a strategic partnership. Syria
Syrian war has reshaped Ramadan for many Since the Syrian regime lost control of Idlib in 2015, the city has become a melting pot of Ramadan traditions, as residents and refugees adapt to new lives. Syria
Mixed messages since US-Saudi-Islamic summit prove costly Is the United States missing an opportunity with Iran in the war against the Islamic State? Turkey, Hamas deal with fallout from Qatar dispute; Al-Monitor had the jump on “secret” US-Russia talks on Syria. Saudi Arabia
How Moscow-Riyadh rapport fits into the Mideast scene With all that’s going on in the Gulf right now, some players are re-examining their alliances and shoring up support. Saudi Arabia
Ghouta residents suffer under siege during Ramadan As the regime continues to impose its siege on eastern Ghouta, thousands of trapped residents are making do with the limited supply of food available and depending on NGOs to get them through the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Syria
Syrian regime clears last IS bastion in Aleppo province The Syrian regime is closing in on the Islamic State in Aleppo, while securing a foothold in Raqqa’s outskirts, where US-backed rebels launched their offensive to liberate the city. Syria
Road ahead unclear in aftermath of Tehran attacks After having thwarted numerous plots to strike Iran, the country has finally been hit by its first Islamic State attack; the question now is what Iran may do next. Saudi Arabia
Iran says IS attackers fought in Syria and Iraq Iranian authorities linked the Islamic State attackers to a larger cell whose leader was killed by security forces last year. Saudi Arabia
Turkey's 'American Idol' of Quran recitation backfires An attempt to spread Ramadan cheer backfires as Turkey's Islamists are not happy with a controversial TV show involving competition to recitate the Quran. Egypt
