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
Syrian mother becomes Marvel’s latest superhero After following the story of one Syrian woman and her five children in Madaya, ABC News teamed up with Marvel Comics to share her story in a free digital comic. Syria
How Ankara plans to repeat Syria success in Iraq Ankara seems to have contingency plans for every situation to make its presence felt in Mosul. Iraq
What Turkish raid on Syrian Kurds means for Ankara-Washington ties Turkey's decision to launch airstrikes on fighters for the Kurdish People's Protection Units in Syria could have a major impact on Washington's efforts to balance relations with Ankara. Syria
How Syria is pushing Egypt and Iran closer Converging views on Syria appear to be leading to real mutual support between regional powers Iran and Egypt. Egypt
US, Europe mull sanctions on Russia over Aleppo The United States and Europe are considering additional economic sanctions on Russia over its role in the Syrian regime's assault on Aleppo. Syria
Erdogan not backing down on Turkish role in Mosul Turkey’s demand seen as challenge to United States and Iran, as well as Iraq; Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan calls Hillary Clinton a "political novice" for remarks on Syrian Kurds; ultranationalist group dominates Turkish security services. Iraq
Health crisis in the making as doctors flee Iraq As a brain drain in the health sector and the war against IS continue, Iraq is facing a health crisis. Iraq
US Treasury official praises Saudi cooperation against terror funding Assistant Treasury Secretary Daniel Glaser says there has been substantial progress reducing funds amassed by the Islamic State, but warns that IS could seek external financing if it loses its "caliphate" in Iraq and Syria. Saudi Arabia
In struggle against PKK, Turkey takes flight The conflict between Turkey and Kurdish militants is becoming more complex and destructive as the Turkish army begins using drones in warfare. Iraq
Militants from Syria's Qudsaya prepare to leave for Idlib The Syrian regime has recently pounded the city of Qudsaya, northwest of Damascus, in a bid to reach another one of its settlements that includes the evacuation of militants from the cities. Syria
Turkey’s Islamists can’t get enough of Lindsay Lohan US celebrity Lindsay Lohan has become an unlikely promoter of Turkey. Syria
Is Turkey ditching Saudi Arabia for Iran? The recent string of high-level meetings between Iranian and Turkish officials suggests that the two regional powerhouses may be moving closer on Syria. Saudi Arabia
