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
Turkey Adjusts its Syria Policy Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan came to Washington to convince Washington the red line had been crossed in Syria, but he came up short. Syria
Obama and Erdogan Edge Closer On Syria In meeting with US President Barack Obama, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan seems to have committed Turkey to the Geneva process that foresees a diplomatic solution to the Syrian crisis. Syria
Obama and ErdoganSmile for the Camera US President Barack Obama and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan appeared to come closer on Syria, but challenges remain. Syria
Will Israel Take Out The Russian Missiles in Syria? Israel considers its options if Russia goes ahead with its plan to sell S-300 missiles to Syria. Israel
Why Did Iran's Foreign Minister Visit Jordan? Did Jordan's King Abdullah II charge Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi with sending a "friendly message" to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad? Jordan
Saudi-Qatar Honeymoon In Lebanon Is Over Seemingly eager to turn the regional unrest to their advantage, both Qatar and Saudi Arabia are carefully strategizing their diplomatic efforts in the Mideast. Saudi Arabia
Israel’s Mistake in Attacking Syria Israel’s air strikes on Syria have set back its interests in the region. Israel
US Should Heed Russia, Include Iran in Syria Talks Russia is asking the US to include Iran in the upcoming "Geneva II" conference on Syria, a move that could also benefit the stalemated nuclear talks. Syria
Spillover Effects of Syria’s Sectarian Conflict on Turkey The Reyhanli attack not only weakens Prime Minister Erdogan's hand in his meeting with President Obama, but also has ramifications for Turkey's stability. Syria
Syrian Oil Becomes Fault Line In War With Syria's oil reserves divided between Kurdish and opposition forces, some fear a clash over the country's energy resources. Syria
Rise of Radical Jihadists Setback for Syria US military intervention would not have prevented, and will not prevent, radical jihadism in Syria. Lebanon
Has Jordan Abandoned Its Cautious Policy on Syria? Amman will host the opposition Friends of Syria meeting next week. Jordan
