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
Despite fresh forces, Syrian opposition losing ground in Idlib The Turkish-supported Free Syrian Army is sending more forces from its National Army to shore up the opposition in its fight against Syrian regime troops in Idlib province. Syria
The bitter legacy of Turkey in Afrin Afrinis fear the destruction of religious and historic sites, and ethnic cleansing in Turkish-controlled Afrin is helping in the resurgence of Islamic State and other al-Qaeda affiliated groups. Syria
Will Putin's 'ice cream diplomacy' with Erdogan help resolve Idlib? In Moscow, ice cream may have been the only thing Erdogan got for free from Putin. Syria
Art imitates life and death in war-ravaged Afrin Two Syrian artists, a sculptor and a photographer, agree that the tragedies of war have given them rich fodder for art and opportunities to speak out for life and human dignity. Syria
Why is Khan Sheikhoun important for Syrian regime? Syrian regime forces took full control over Khan Sheikhoun and besieged some opposition-held areas from which a large number of fighters withdrew. Syria
Syrians in makeshift displacement camp face ‘impossible choice’ A joint United Nations-Syrian Arab Red Crescent mission has arrived at the Rukban camp, near the Jordanian border, where more than 10,000 people are living in dire conditions, to ask them if they want to go back to the government-held area of Homs province. Jordan
Turkey recalibrates refugee policy as Idlib fighting displaces more Syrians Turkey’s Interior Ministry is moving to formalize refugee policies as new wave of displaced Syrians amasses in Idlib. Syria
Young Syrians flee Daraa, Quneitra in droves Young people have been taking flight from Daraa and Quneitra in bids to find decent jobs and to avoid having to serve in the Syrian army. Lebanon
Turkey faces losses in Syria east, west of the Euphrates River Ankara’s attempts to play Russia and the United States off against each other may be gaining it very little and could leave it losing more than it expected. Syria
Turkey questions why Russia didn't prevent Idlib attack The Syrian airstrike this week against a Turkish military convoy in Idlib has prompted speculation that Russia and Syria are cooperating at Turkey's expense. Yemen
Turkey vexed with Russia after Syria strikes convoy Following Syrian airstrikes on a Turkish convoy, Russia appears to be keeping calm and staying the course, but developments on the ground are spinning quickly. Syria
Political earthquake in Turkey: A regime running amok? Three elected Kurdish mayors were removed from their posts in a move further endangering what remains of Turkey's democracy. Syria
