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
UN Syria envoy looks for talks to resume in July UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura said a “critical mass” of agreement between Russia and the United States was still needed before holding a new round of intra-Syrian talks on a political transition. Syria
Are major players shifting strategies in Syria? Russia and the US find themselves in a complex situation in Syria, with plenty of doubt to go around. Syria
Is Tunisia prepared for return of thousands of Islamic State fighters? Thousands of Islamic State fighters are expected to return to Tunisia, where the authorities are uncertain how to deal with the risk they may pose. Iraq
Classic cars withstood coups, but can they survive war in Aleppo? Abu Omar's family has sought refuge elsewhere, but he remains in Aleppo with his collection of classic cars and antiques. Syria
Could Foreign Ministry shakeup impact Iran's regional policies? Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has denied speculation that the recent change at the deputy foreign minister position is the result of appeasing foreign countries. Syria
Islamic State attacks Syrian journalists, even in Turkey In a series of attacks, four Syrian journalists living in Turkey's border towns were killed. Why are they such easy prey? Syria
Emotional trauma leaves deep wounds for Syria's child refugees The refugee crisis has created a desperate need for mental health services, particularly among Syria’s children, whose chances of healing from their mental and emotional wounds are better the sooner they receive care. Lebanon
Why Syria's Kurds are cooperating with Russia While the Syrian opposition accuses the Kurds of cooperating with the regime and Russia, the Kurds say they're doing so to fight the Islamic State. Syria
Why was this influential Iranian deputy minister replaced? Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, deputy foreign minister for Arab and African affairs since 2011, has been replaced. Saudi Arabia
Why Turkey is striking out on the diplomatic field Despite some diplomatic gestures by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his new prime minister, it appears Turkey's isolation and desperation in foreign policy will continue. Egypt
Online gallery gives Beirut's diverse art scene exposure to world As Syrian artists fleeing the civil war have found an arts haven in Beirut, some of them are gaining exposure to the wider world through the Artscoops website. Lebanon
Tehran drags Moscow deeper into Syria The war in Syria is hitting Iran ever closer to home, prompting Tehran to push for closer coordination with Russia, even as leaders on both sides complain of a lack of confidence and tactical misalignments. Syria
