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
Putin Wins Big in Syria, With Assist From Obama President Barack Obama's threat to use force against the Syrian chemical arsenal paved the way for the initiative by Russian President Vladimir Putin and maybe a solution. Israel
Russian Diplomacy Transforms Debate on Syria The Russian initiative on Syria's chemical weapons slows the Obama administration’s flagging effort to get congressional support for a military strike. Syria
Lebanon as 'Theater of Surprise' In Syria War Lebanon is the traditional battlefield for regional conflicts. Lebanon
Turkey’s Policies Defied By Latest Twists in Syria Turkey seems to be on the wrong side of events in Egypt and Syria. Egypt
UNIFIL, Hezbollah Prepare For Possible Syria Strike Having cooperated for decades in southern Lebanon, both UNIFIL forces and Hezbollah are preparing for the repercussions of US-led military action in Syria. Lebanon
Turks on Syria Border Oppose US Military Strike Many Turkish residents of the border town of Reyhanli — hit by twin car bombings May 11 — worry that they are in jeopardy as a result of a US miltiary strike on Syria. Syria
Obama Administration Should Stop Conflating Syria, Iran The Obama administration is risking a breakthrough with Iran in its rhetoric on Syria. Syria
Turkey Decides Jabhat Al-Nusra Is a Threat A Turkish official has said Ankara will not support the al-Qaeda-linked Jabhat al-Nusra in Syria. Syria
'Diplomatic Vitality' Needed to Bring Peace to Syria While the US public awaits President Barack Obama's speech on Sept. 10, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has publicly criticized a US military attack against Syria, lobbying to continue negotiations during Geneva II. Lebanon
Would Syria Retaliate Against Turkey? Al-Monitor’s analysis coverage of a possible US military strike on Syria. Israel
Syrian Islamist Rebels Threaten Maaloula, Christians The Aramaic-speaking village of Maaloula, a symbol of religious and sectarian coexistence in Syria, has been invaded and desecrated by Islamist opposition groups. Lebanon
