Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran says it doesn’t seek to resume negotiations with Washington Sharaa says Syria seeks security deal with Israel; Red Sea shipping slows after Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
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
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
British film tells a Syrian love story ‘A Syrian Love Story,' an acclaimed documentary by Sean McAllister, takes a unique look at the personal cost of the ongoing Syrian civil war away from the battlefield. Syria
Amnesty International accuses Kurdish YPG of war crimes Amnesty International is accusing the autonomous Kurdish administration in northern Syria of committing war crimes. Syria
Despite airstrikes, is Russia still working toward political solution in Syria? Russia appears to be considering various political resolutions to the Syrian crisis, possibly including one without Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Syria
Jordanian palace silent on Russian intervention in Syria Some commentators argue that Jordan's lack of comment on Russia's involvement in Syria is related to the kingdom's acceptance of Moscow's position that Syrian president Bashar al-Assad be part of a postwar transitional phase. Legacy: Gulf
Netanyahu weighs more aggressive action as Hamas leader backs 'intifada' The Israeli prime minister is under pressure from the Israeli right as Israeli-Palestinian violence escalates; Syrian Kurdish leaders back Russian intervention to battle the Islamic State. Palestine
US to arm Syrian Kurds, rebel groups fighting IS The Pentagon will pause its beleaguered Syria train and equip program to instead provide arms and air support to Syrian Kurdish and Arab rebel groups already fighting the Islamic State. Syria
Iranian general killed in Syria came back for special operation An Iranian general recently killed in Syria had returned to Tehran nearly a year ago and went back to Syria recently to take part in a special operation. Syria
Russia’s Syria strikes hold both strategic, symbolic importance Syrian rebels are holding their ground in the south, but Russia is keeping the opposition in check. Syria
Syria's increasingly congested skies In addition to warplanes over Syria, cruise missiles are now carving out airspace. Syria
Syrian Kurdish leader: Moscow wants to work with us A senior leader in the PYD is in Washington seeking more military support and expressing ambivalence about Russia’s latest intervention. Syria
Saudi religious scholars enraged over Moscow's recent Syria strikes Saudi ulama would rather see action against Assad than against the Islamic State, but could their stance be seen as a call to jihad? Legacy: Gulf
Goals of Russia’s recent military action go beyond Syria The Russian entry into the war in Syria may herald a new era of cooperation with countries such as Iran, as Moscow seeks to strengthen its international role. Lebanon
