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
Indiana woman gets 6 years in prison after smuggling cash for the Islamic State Prosecutors say Samantha Elhassani also brought her two children to live in IS-controlled territory in Syria. Syria
Interview Syrian Kurdish commander sees chance to ease tensions with Turkey under Biden In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Mazlum Kobane said the former vice president's victory may well spell change in Ankara’s behavior. Mazlum Kobane SDF commander in chief
Islamic State regroups in Syrian Kurdish region Islamic State cells carry out assassinations against the SDF in the SDF-controlled countryside of Deir ez-Zor on an almost daily basis, affecting some civilians and tribal leaders close to the SDF. Syria
Tulsi Gabbard succeeded in House by Afghan war veteran Gabbard, a Democrat from Hawaii who served in the Army in Iraq and ran for president in 2020, has been a critic of the US prosecution of "endless wars." Her successor, Democrat Kai Kahele, served in Afghanistan. Syria
While America counts its votes, Erdogan advances his agenda Can the next US president manage Erdogan’s ambition? Turkey
Syrian refugee in Lebanon sets himself on fire The UN refugee agency said the 58-year-old man was hospitalized and is receiving the necessary care. Lebanon
Assad blames Syria’s economic turmoil on Lebanon, not sanctions Syrian President Bashar al-Assad estimates that Syrians hold between $20 billion and $42 billion in Lebanon's banks. Syria
Lindsey Graham, vocal senator on Syria policy, wins reelection The South Carolina Republican and member of the Foreign Relations Committee has both praised and criticized Trump's policies on Syria, Israel and other places. Syria
Are attacks on Syrian opposition signal from Moscow to Ankara? As Turkey conducts simultaneous campaigns in different theaters — including assistance to Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict — Moscow must be tempted to exploit the turbulence to extract concessions from Ankara. Syria
How Turkey’s withdrawal from Morek post affects opposition factions in northeast Syria Turkish forces withdrew from their observation post in the city of Morek, raising many questions about the fate of Turkish-backed rebels in the surrounding area. Syria
Erdogan warns Turkey has 'right to mobilize' again against Kurdish forces The Turkish president's comments come a year after Turkey launched an offensive against Kurdish fighters in northeast Syria. Syria
No good news for Turkey from jihadi ranks in Syria Ahrar al-Sham, a prominent armed group that has often collaborated with Turkey in Syria, is hit by infighting that plays into the hands of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and dampens Turkish plans to remold rebel factions in Idlib. Turkey
