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
Congress wants answers from Turkey on shutdown of US aid pipeline to Syria Senate Democrats are warning Ankara not to take out its anger over US aid to Kurds on Mercy Corps. Syria
Wrath of Euphrates spokeswoman: Raqqa is now isolated Islamic State militants in Raqqa are now surrounded as Syrian Democratic Forces cut off the last land route to and from the city, foretelling an imminent battle to liberate IS' capital. Syria
Whose ears burn most when Russia, Israel meet? Moscow has been hosting an array of dignitaries recently, leaving observers to speculate on the possible topics of conversation. Israel
Extremist expansion in southern Syria puts Jordan on guard The expansion of radical Islamist factions in southern Syria has raised concerns from Jordan that these groups would pledge allegiance to the Islamic State and seek to establish an emirate on its northern borders. Jordan
US puts off announcing decision on Raqqa until after Turkey referendum The US military wants to work with local forces against the Islamic State in Raqqa, but still is working out many of the details, including who should hold what ground after IS is defeated. Israel
Putin gets some payback with 'alternative project' for Libya Why Putin backs Hifter; Barzani’s Sinjar dilemma; Israel’s missing Gaza policy; GCC moves to the margins on Syria. Iraq
On 6th anniversary of Syrian war, education remains a casualty In an interview with Al-Monitor, the minister of education of Syria’s opposition interim government, Imad Barq, spoke about the state of schools and education in the country and specifically in opposition-held areas. Syria
Turkey shuts down Mercy Corps' Syria aid program International aid delivery to Syria experienced a setback March 7, when the Turkish government ordered the Syria program run by Mercy Corps from inside Turkey to close down, leaving thousands without assistance. Syria
Gulf countries take back seat on Syria route It seems Saudi Arabia is more interested in Yemen than in Syria these days, which explains dwindling Gulf support for Syrian rebels. Saudi Arabia
Turkey, US, Russia military chiefs meet to discuss anti-IS strategy Turkey, Russia and the United States met today in Antalya, Turkey, in an attempt to find common ground in the battle against the Islamic State in Syria, but they disagree in regard to which groups in the Syrian war are terrorists. Syria
Is spotlight on Trump’s Russia ties slowing US-Russia cooperation in Syria? Intense scrutiny and investigations of possible ties between Trump associates and Russia may complicate prospects for US-Russian cooperation in the fight against IS and in Syria. It may happen anyway. Syria
Syrian dramas shed light on revolution A number of Syrian youth now living across the border in Turkey are using television series to articulate the suffering of Syrian citizens under the civil war. Syria
