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
Should European states transport refugees themselves? Refugees and migrants are paying thousands of dollars to smugglers to reach Europe, so why don't European governments cut into the trade and provide the migrants safe transportation? Iraq
Aleppo residents celebrate Eid al-Adha, despite war Syrians in Aleppo celebrate Eid al-Adha, despite the constant shelling by the regime forces. Syria
US-Iraqi relations need a reset US-Iraqi relations have had their ups and downs since the 2003 invasion and withdrawal of US troops in 2011, and currently require a reassessment to establish a solid partnership between the two parties. Iraq
After Iran deal, can P5+1 tackle Syria civil war? Major international parties continue to fumble for a solution to the Syria crisis as the plot thickens, and Russian airstrikes join the fray. Syria
PYD leader: Russia will stop Turkey from intervening in Syria Speaking in an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, PYD leader Salih Muslim says Russia will prevent Turkey from intervening in Syria. Syria
Is Syria bringing Iran, Egypt together? Egypt's seemingly shared interests with the Syrian government may provide grounds for improved relations with Iran. Saudi Arabia
Don't underestimate Free Syrian Army The Free Syrian Army is playing a larger, more successful role in the revolution than media coverage reflects. Syria
Lebanon reaps weapons windfall from Congress The tiny state has gone from pariah to partner thanks to the Islamic State. Saudi Arabia
Palestine’s UN envoy: Multilateralism is the way forward In a recent interview Palestinian envoy to the UN Riyad Mansour stipulated that if the Israeli-Arab conflict is not addressed, any plan for peace in the region is futile. Palestine
Davutoglu proposes refugee 'container city' Davutoglu, while advocating a container city for refugees in a safe zone, is ignoring the serious risks it would entail. Syria
Congress hesitant to share IS intelligence with Putin, Assad Lawmakers are ambivalent about greater cooperation in countering foreign fighters. Syria
Will Russia’s move ruin Erdogan’s plan for Syria? Will Turkey’s rules of engagement against Syrian planes now apply to Russian planes flying near the Turkish border? Syria
