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
Erdogan's EU visit fails to produce results Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan tried to use his Brussels visit to enhance his own domestic political clout, but the Europeans were not very keen on helping him. Syria
Who are the real targets of Russia’s Syria strikes? Russian attacks on opposition forces belie Moscow's alleged purpose for its military intervention in Syria. Syria
Erdogan uses refugee issue for his own benefit in EU EU leaders' focus during Erdogan’s visit to Brussels was on stemming the flow of Syrian refugees, not on his authoritarian and undemocratic ways. Syria
Another Syrian nightmare, courtesy of the Russians Russian operations are rattling Turkey as militants fleeing Syria infiltrate Turkey. Syria
Russian intervention throws a wrench into Turkey's Syria plans Russian air superiority in Syria has destroyed Ankara's hopes for a safe zone in the north and "Syria without Assad." Syria
New gas fields add more heat to already simmering Mediterranean The recent gas discoveries in the eastern Mediterranean Sea have given the concerned countries, mainly Egypt, Turkey and Israel, a new urgency in settling their maritime border disputes. Egypt
Russia gets back in the game Moscow's stated plans for the Syrian crisis at the recent UN General Assembly have elicited controversial responses from the international community. Syria
Vlad and Yuri: How Putin is applying the lessons of Afghanistan to Syria Russian President Vladimir Putin is using his regional allies to create "Alawistan," an enclave isolated from the rest of Syria. Saudi Arabia
Palestinians look to Turkey for substance, not show Although Turkey got its share of praise as the Palestinian flag was raised at the UN, Palestinians are still waiting for practical moves affecting their lives. Palestine
Obama prepared to work with Putin to broker Syria transition Despite widespread condemnation of Russian airstrikes in Syria, signs of progress on UN-brokered talks on a political transition; Iran’s ties with Saudi Arabia and Egypt; the trend toward counterterrorism; United States should not treat Iraq as a "weak partner." Saudi Arabia
Congress to probe war in Yemen A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of Oct. 5. Saudi Arabia
The changing fabric of foreign companies in Turkey The number of European companies in Turkey has stagnated, while the number of Asian companies is booming. Syria
