On eighth visit, Israel’s Netanyahu seeks to repair ties with Trump Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to focus on Iran in his Tuesday meeting with President Donald Trump, while the US leader is more likely to want to discuss Lebanon and Syria. United States
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
Syrian refugees in Armenia 'stumble from one crisis to another' Syrians of Armenian origin who fled Aleppo are finding it difficult to cope with their new situation in Armenia. Syria
Erdogan’s shift on Islamic State linked to Kurdish gains in Syria Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan finally takes on the Islamic State while attacking PKK bases in northern Iraq; Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu now the only US ally actively opposing Iran deal; Israel faces pressure to forgo demolition of Palestinian village. Palestine
Congress gets extra dose of Iran before summer recess A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of July 27. Iraq
Iraqi Christian militia draws foreign fighters Foreign fighters who have joined Dwekh Nawsha, a Christian military organization fighting the Islamic State in Iraq, are finally seeing combat. Iraq
The Islamic State's secret recruiting ground in Turkey Bombers from two separate incidents have hailed from Adiyaman province. Syria
Deciphering IS' strategy in latest Turkey attack The July 20 attack on Suruc was designed to send a strong message to Kurds, the United States and Turkey. Syria
Tribal massacre victims forced to negotiate with IS A year after a deadly attack by the Islamic State, tribesmen in Syria's Deir ez-Zor are trying to bring civilians back to their homes. Syria
Turkey needs to drop its dead-end foreign policy Former diplomats say Ankara should act urgently with its NATO allies to face the new threats that have emerged to its security from groups like the Islamic State. Syria
Lebanese, UN fall out over refugee registration Lebanese officials have criticized UNHCR efforts to register Syrian refugee births, arguing that the country is at capacity. Lebanon
Regime forces tighten noose on opposition in Zabadani The Syrian army, assisted by Hezbollah, is making gains in the city of Zabadani against opposition fighters, who have barricaded themselves in the old town. Syria
Kurdish opposition figures denounce Ankara officials as 'accomplices' of IS after Suruc bombing After 31 young Turks were killed and many more wounded by a suicide attack in Suruc, protests erupted across the country and politicians scrambled to point fingers. Syria
How US, Russia could solve Syria The successful cooperation between the United State and Russia throughout the Iran nuclear negotiations could bode well for a new plan for Syria. Syria
