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 Kurds discuss differences over Geneva II At the core of Syrian Kurd differences is tension between Kurdistan Democratic Party leader Massoud Barzani and Kurdistan Workers Party leader Abdullah Ocalan. Iraq
Jordan's Daraa problem The battle against Salafists in Daraa, Syria, is becoming a shared interest between Damascus and Amman. Jordan
Iran and the nuclear agreement: Trust but verify Three senior former diplomats from the United States and Iran write that the interim agreement with Iran can lead to progress not only on the nuclear file but also in Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq. Saudi Arabia
Regional violence threatens Lebanon's fragile stability As suicide attacks and explosions increase in Beirut, Lebanon is being inexorably drawn deeper into the Syrian conflict. Lebanon
Turkey recasts approach to armed groups in Syria Intelligence reports of al-Qaeda threats against Turkey are causing concern. Syria
Laqis assassination reveals crack in Hezbollah’s ‘security fortress’ The Dec. 4 assassination of a leading Hezbollah figure in Beirut occurred when the organization was in a state of heightened vigilance. Israel
Turkish-Arab Cooperation Forum remains in limbo Although not officially canceled, the fifth Turkish-Arab Cooperation Forum may not be held this year. Egypt
Syrian refugees in Istanbul sent from pillar to post Over 200,000 Syrian refugees, most of them without legal papers, struggle to find shelter and work in Istanbul as winter sets in. Syria
ISIS exploits weak Iraqi, Syrian states Historically targeting non-central parts of the countries in which it operates, al-Qaeda, in the form of ISIS, is taking advantage of prevailing instability in Syria and Iraq to deepen its roots. Iraq
Iran nuclear accord requires secular 'reset' of Turkey's foreign policy In the aftermath of Iran's nuclear accord, Turkey can only play an effective regional role if it adopts a secular foreign policy. Saudi Arabia
Lebanese independence from 1943 pact to Baabda Declaration In Lebanon’s 70th year as an independent republic, the series of treaties and agreements to overcome internal disputes can all contribute to a more comprehensive solution to the question of national unity. Lebanon
