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
US Should Keep Focus on Syria, Not Iran Iran's nuclear threat should not be part of the US congressional debate over whether to authorize airstrikes in Syria. Syria
Iran Plays Supporting Role In House Panel Debate on Syria Members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee focus on potential adverse fallout from a US strike on Syria, including emboldening extremist opposition to Bashar al-Assad. Syria
US Strike in Syria Won't Affect Stalled Turkey-PKK Peace Talks Turkey-PKK negotiations are already stalled. Syria
Israelis Amazed by Open Debate In US Congress on Syria If Israel was to discuss striking Syria, it would never have taken place in a Knesset open debate — as is the case in the US Congress — but behind closed doors. Israel
Israel Awaits Cyberattack From Syrian Electronic Army The Syrian Electronic Army, related to elements supporting President Assad, intensifies its targeting of government bodies and global media outlets. Israel
Israel's Right Wing Does Not Care About US Credibility Israel's right wing seeks to score propaganda points at US expense. Israel
War Clouds Gather Over Lebanon A US strike on Syria could double the already large number of refugees in Lebanon. Lebanon
US-Iran Nuclear Deal Hinges On Syria Vote If US President Barack Obama fails to win the congressional vote on the authorization to use force against Syria, Iran will conclude a nuclear deal is out of reach. Syria
Egypt Debates US Strike on Syria Anti-Americanism has clouded perceptions in what is now the post-realist phase of the Egyptian revolution. Egypt
Refugee Crisis in Lebanon Takes Extra Toll on Women The plight of women in Lebanese refugee camps is worsening as refugees continue to flee the war in Syria. Lebanon
Hezbollah's Empty Threats Against Israel Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad, Damascus and Tehran are all threatening to set Israel ablaze after any attack on Syria, but none of them has the interest or ability to follow through. Palestine
Turkey’s Middle East Policy Lies in Shambles While Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan may still have some admirers in the "Arab street," he may be losing the admiration of many of the region’s leaders. Egypt
