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
Syria, US hold first business forum since sanctions relief: What to know The one-day forum in Damascus was organized by Syria’s Ministry of Economy and Industry and the US-Syria Business Council, which was established in Washington last June to advance trade and investment between the two nations. Syria
Explainer How Macron seeks to carve out France's role in new Syria French President Emmanuel Macron became the first Western leader to visit Syria since the fall of the Assad regime, showcasing Paris' support for Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa while seeking to secure a share of the country's emerging reconstruction market. Syria
Russia rules out opening second Syria border crossing for aid Russia's UN ambassador said his government is still considering whether or not to veto the UN's mandate for Syria's last remaining aid crossing. Syria
Turkey's mixed record against Islamic State Structural problems continue to keep Turkey from putting in place a comprehensive strategy to combat Islamic State elements in the country, despite numerous operations against networks linked to the radical Islamist group. Turkey
Kurdish-led forces intensify crackdown on Islamic State cells in northeast Syria Islamic State activities seem to have diminished during the month of June in the Kurdish-controlled areas in northeastern Syria amid a crackdown led by the Syrian Democratic Forces. Syria
Iraq-Syria border strikes on pro-Iran ‘militias’ spark retaliation Airstrikes on both sides of the Iraqi-Syrian border near Qaim conducted by the United States were followed by retaliatory strikes by Iran-linked groups against a Kurdish-led SDF base housing coalition forces in eastern Syria. Iraq
US forces in Syria come under attack after airstrikes on Iran-backed militias Renewed fighting in Iraq and Syria is bound to set off scrutiny in Congress. Syria
Blinken calls Syrian humanitarian situation 'untenable' At a meeting of the members of the US D-ISIS coalition in Rome, the US secretary of state makes appeal for "stabilization." Syria
Syrian Airlines resumes flights to Dubai The United Arab Emirates is leading calls for Arab states to repair relations with the Syrian government of President Bashar al-Assad. News Brief
Turkish-backed opposition seeks unified security forces in north Syria The Turkish-backed opposition is trying to benefit from the experience of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in establishing a new security apparatus to pursue terrorist cells in the areas under its control in north Syria. Syria
Turkey attacks Kurdish militants in northern Syria The fighters attempted to infiltrate territory held by Turkey and its Syrian rebel allies, according to Turkish state media. News Brief
EU leaders back funding but warn Erdogan against 'instrumentalizing' Syrian migrants EU leaders propose further funding to Turkey for Syrian refugees, but, at Greece’s insistence, issue a warning that the bloc “condemns any attempt by third countries to instrumentalize migrants for political purposes.” Turkey
Turkey promotes tribal role in Syrian opposition institutions The Syrian opposition is divided over activating the role of tribes in the coalition, as some believe this would be in favor of figures close to Turkey and would help it dominate the opposition institutions. Syria
Russia gains foothold in Syria’s Palmyra through archaeological restoration Russia has begun a project to rehabilitate Syria’s ancient city of Palmyra in its latest efforts to gain a foothold in the country’s vital sectors. Syria
