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 Opposition Divided Over Geneva II Conference While the Syrian government and the internal opposition are ready to seek a political solution, the external opposition is refusing to attend Geneva II. Syria
Russia Enlists Syrian Kurds For Geneva II The Supreme Kurdish Council of Syria is ready to participate in the Geneva II conference. Syria
For Hezbollah, What is VictoryIn Syria? Hezbollah grapples with the long-term objectives and consequences of its intervention in Syria. Lebanon
Assad Not Backing Down Syrian President Bashar al-Assad believes his is the winning side, and that says his government is ready to participate in the Geneva II peace conference. Syria
Qusair Victory Could Prove Fateful for Hezbollah's Future The events that unfolded in the three-week battle for Qusair will prove fateful for the future role of Hezbollah in the Syrian, as well as regional, conflict. Lebanon
FSA Commander Speaks From Qusair Just Before Its Fall Just hours before the Syrian army retook control of the town of Qusair, Al-Monitor spoke with an opposition commander about the ongoing battle and Hezbollah’s role in the fighting. Lebanon
After Qusair, Is Hezbollah Finished in Syria? Will Hezbollah continue its military involvement in Syria? Lebanon
Syrian Kurdish NGOs Prevent Recruitment of Youth Soldiers NGOs fight to keep impoverished Syrian Kurdish youth from being militarized by political parties. Syria
Republican Congressman King Opposes US Arms to Syrian Rebels Congressman Peter King of New York discusses US policy toward Syria and the Middle East. Israel
Pro-Hezbollah Sunni Sheikhs Face Assassination Attempts in Lebanon As tensions stemming from the Syrian crisis continue to mount in Lebanon, two pro-Hezbollah Sunni sheikhs become the target of assassination attempts. Lebanon
Europe Stays on Sidelines As Syria Conflict Unfolds Europe keeps to the sidelines while Russia and the United States work on the Syrian conflict, while Syria’s neighbors wait quietly, holding the real leverage over the opposing sides. Syria
