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
Yabrud victory a setback for Lebanon’s security While Hezbollah was celebrating the victory in Yabrud, another stronghold of the Shiite resistance was targeted by a suicide attack, which raised questions about the repercussions of the victory on Lebanon. Lebanon
What does the fall of Yabrud mean for Lebanon? After the Syrian regime regained control of the rebel-held town of Yabrud this past weekend, some in Lebanon fear that the influx of extremist militants means more terrorist attacks inside the country. Lebanon
Israel's opportunity in Syria Israel has an opportunity to pursue both humanitarian and strategic objectives in Syria, and to support the Arab Peace Initiative. Palestine
Al-Monitor Congress Pulse expands Syria, Russia-Ukraine-Mideast coverage Congress Pulse and "Trendlines" delve into the implications of Ukraine for US policy in the Middle East. Syria
Iran weighs 'active neutrality' in Ukraine Iran’s strategic priorities remain a comprehensive nuclear agreement and a political solution in Syria. Syria
Pro-regime Sunni fighters in Aleppo defy sectarian narrative Pro-regime militias such as the Al-Quds and Baath Brigades are at the forefront of the battle against rebels in Aleppo, and they're mostly Sunni. Syria
ISIS suicide attacks target Syrian Kurdish capital The Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) is increasing its terror campaign against Kurds in northern Syria. Syria
Lebanon's March 14 bloc takes stock on ninth anniversary As the ninth anniversary of the March 14, 2005, demonstrations in Lebanon approach, the March 14 movement is faced with both challenges and opportunities. Lebanon
Syrian women refugees humiliated, exploited in Turkey Many female Syrian refugees in Turkey endure sexual harassment and exploitation by employers, prospective husbands and male kin. Syria
Assad sends signals to Russia, US While Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has offered Russian President Vladimir Putin full support in the Ukrainian crisis, he's also signalling a willingness to defuse tensions on the border with Israel. Syria
Syrian opposition can learn from Ukraine The Syrian opposition should reassess its strategy in light of Russia's position in both Syria and Ukraine. Syria
9/11 plotter released in Syria prisoner exchange Islamist rebel group Ahrar al-Sham has secured the release of 9/11 plotter and alleged al-Qaeda core member Mohammed Haydar Zammar, adding to concerns about the composition of the Islamic Front. Syria
