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
Life in Homs a Mixture Of Fear, Danger A first-hand account from Homs reveals a city divided and under siege by the Syrian war. Lebanon
UN Warns of Israel-Syria Escalation The UN secretary-general warned today that the cease-fire between Israel and Syria is in jeopardy as Austrian forces have withdrawn from the UN Disengagement Observer Force. Israel
Iran Focused on Elections, Syria, Not Iraq Baghdad has some breathing room as Iran has been preoccupied with elections and the war in Syria. Iraq
Iraqi Kurdistan Region Struggles To Cope With Syrian Refugees Syrian refugees have been flowing into the Iraqi Kurdistan region, making the need for international assistance more pressing than ever. Iraq
Assad's Days Numbered? Think Again Too many analysts and journalists have based their pronouncements of Assad's "numbered days" on wishful thinking. Israel
Arab-Americans Discover Forefathers in Little Syria Since the uprisings, more Syrians are arriving in the United States and finding that they have a long and rich history in New York City. Syria
Whether Qusair Will Tip The Balance Remains to Be Seen The defeat of Syrian opposition forces in Qusair may be a turning point toward a deepening of the conflict or a catalyst for a peace conference. Lebanon
UN Forces in the Golan Perpetuate Israeli Occupation The withdrawal of the Austrian UNDOF forces from the Golan Heights should remind Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the UN is not in charge of Israel's security in an occupied territory. Israel
Syrian Rebels Clash With Kurdish Militias Fights erupted between Kurdish militias and groups affiliated with the Free Syrian Army (FSA) in northern Syria after allegations the Kurds did not support an embargo on two Shiite villages in Aleppo. Syria
UN Must Address Syrian Humanitarian Tragedy While the UN issued the biggest financial appeal in its history, a humanitarian tragedy is unfolding in Syria and for Syrian refugees abroad. Lebanon
Jordan Jittery as Assad Troops Advance The Syrian government’s victory at Qusair has forced Jordan to reconsider its more calculated policy toward Syria. Jordan
