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
Why some Egyptians prefer Syrian wives Syrian women in Egypt are sought after by some Egyptian men who think they are preferable to their Egyptian counterparts, amid fears of exploitation of their financial status. Egypt
Where do Kurds fit in Syria conflict? The future of the Syrian Kurds hinges on the policies of US President-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin toward Turkey. Syria
US presidential transition adds turmoil to Syria diplomacy As the Syrian regime makes rapid gains to retake rebel-held eastern Aleppo, renewed diplomatic efforts to try to broker a pause in the fighting remain uncertain. Syria
Turkey's shredded Syria policy The fall of Aleppo to Syrian government forces has Ankara recalibrating its options in Syria. Syria
What's brewing between the Kurds, Syrian regime? The unpredictable winds of war will determine whether the Kurds ever realize their dream of self-government in Syria. Syria
Is Egypt considering military intervention in Syria? Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has announced his support for the Syrian army, while the media have reported that Egypt has elite forces on Syrian soil. Egypt
WikiLeaks dump casts rare light on Erdogan inner circle WikiLeaks' dump of emails has put Energy Minister Berat Albayrak's dealings back in the news. Iraq
What's at stake in Syria Al-Bab is the current focal point of complicated, interwoven developments unfolding in northern Syria. Syria
Should Ankara be optimistic about relations with Trump? Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has expressed optimism about improved US-Turkish relations during a Trump administration. Syria
Will Trump bring Egypt, Israel closer? Observers wait to see what role, if any, the Trump administration might play in a rapprochement between Israel and Egypt. Egypt
Saudi-Egypt crisis leaves Israel concerned Two arms deals recently inked by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has Israel baffled and worried. Saudi Arabia
Erdogan’s Syria policy hits dead end in Aleppo Ankara anticipates worst-case scenario as Syrian government forces appear close to victory in decisive battle. Syria
