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
Syria's Assad wins fourth term in election US calls fraudulent By the regime's count, President Bashar al-Assad won 95.1% of the vote, handing him another seven-year term. News Brief
As Syrians vote in regime areas, Kurdish authorities close crossings The Syrian Democratic Forces closed the crossings connecting their areas in northeast Syria to government-held areas to prevent the participation of the areas' inhabitants in the Syrian presidential elections. Syria
The Takeaway: US ties with Egypt loom large again Picking up the pieces in Gaza; the uneasy, uncertain peace between Israel and Hamas; PLO and Hamas still can’t find common ground; Russia on the diplomatic sidelines; desert kingdom looks to build forest; and more! Egypt
Why Kurdish authorities in northeast Syria canceled fuel price hikes The Autonomous Administration in northeastern Syria took back its decision to raise fuel prices after protests condemning the decision led to several casualties. Syria
NGOs in northeast Syria warn of low water levels in hydroelectric dams Tishrin Dam on the Euphrates River could shut down next month, which would affect electricity and water supplies for millions of people in autonomous administration, government and rebel territory. Syria
Little-known groups target Turkish military presence in Syria Two little-known groups in northwest Syria are claiming responsibility for attacks against Turkish troops in the area, which some say may benefit al-Qaeda against Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Syria
Turkey, Russia pressure SDF to restore electricity to northeast Syria The Syrian Democratic Forces continue to cut power in the areas under the control of the Turkish-backed opposition in northeast Syria, under the pretext that Turkey is responsible for the drop in water levels in the Euphrates River. Syria
Rockets launched from Syria land in Israel amid Gaza conflict Three rockets were fired from Syria toward Israel. Palestine
Syrian refugees’ long walk: why Amal is more than a puppet A giant puppet of a young Syrian girl will travel nearly 8,000 kilometers (5,000 miles) from the Turkish-Syrian border to the United Kingdom. Turkey
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham expands recruitment to all of Idlib province Hayat Tahrir al-Sham is offering young Syrians in the northwestern province of Idlib many incentives to join the militant group's ranks. Syria
How Syrian refugees contributed to Turkish economy Syrians have established nearly 14,000 companies in Turkey. Syria
Young Syrians flee regime areas for Turkey Dozens of young men from areas controlled by the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) cross daily smuggling routes to the areas under the Syrian opposition to reach Turkey and flee to Europe to escape conscription in the Syrian army. Syria
