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
Will 'Kurdish Spring' redraw Middle East map? A critic looks at “Kurdish Spring: A New Map for the Middle East,” a new book by David Phillips that could become a main reference on the Kurdish struggle. Iraq
Are Turkish troops guardians or accidental hostages at Syrian tomb? Delayed rotation of Turkish troops guarding the Tomb of Suleiman Shah in Syria is causing frustration. Syria
Jordan's king tells Congress 'gloves are off' in fight against IS Key lawmakers endorse $1 billion aid package after airman slain. Jordan
Kurdish rivalry delays victory in Sinjar Kurdish forces celebrated a joint victory at Kobani, but they have become rivals in the fight against the Islamic State in the Mount Sinjar area. Iraq
Latest attack in Lebanon sends message on IS endgame Clues about the militants’ ultimate designs for the country can be found in the most recent attack by insurgents on the Lebanese border. Lebanon
Hezbollah strike was 'minimum response,' warns Iran commander The commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also stated that Israel should 'await a stronger response.' Israel
Disputed Alawite village caught between Israel, Hezbollah In an interview with Al-Monitor, Bilal Khatib of the Ghajar municipal council explains the unique situation of the village; located on the Israel-Lebanon-Syria border and residents' fear of being targeted. Israel
Hezbollah's tactical shift against Israel Hezbollah is opening another front against Israel in the Golan Heights, where it can blame other organizations for possible escalations. Israel
Rockets fall on Damascus Jaish al-Islam began a wide-scale rocket attack on Damascus in response to the Syrian regime’s shelling of eastern Ghouta, which allegedly killed civilians. Syria
Israel shows restraint in Hezbollah retaliation Hezbollah’s attack on an Israeli patrol in Lebanon’s occupied Shebaa Farms was expected to break into an all-out war on Lebanon, but sources told Al-Monitor that Israel was asked not to engage in such a war. Israel
Kurdish victory in Kobani defeat for Turkish policy Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressly ruled out the northern Iraq model for Syria's Kurds. Syria
Lebanese army faces war of attrition The Lebanese army waits for the authorities to take decisive action and cooperate with Hezbollah and the Syrian regime to fight radical groups in Lebanon. Lebanon
