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
Analysis UN: Majority of Syrian refugees don't plan to go home within year Most Syrian refugees in the Middle East do not plan to return to Syria in the near future. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Egypt-Lebanon gas deal awaits US decision on Syria sanctions A State Department spokesperson said the administration will review the final contracts and financing terms to address any sanctions concerns. Lebanon
Idlib sees new escalation between Syrian government, opposition forces Government forces escalated tensions on the battlefronts in Idlib in response to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham targeting the town of Kassab in the Latakia countryside after installing a statue of former Syrian President Hafez al-Assad. Syria
Russia, Iran won't endorse Turkish military operation in Syria At the latest Astana Group meeting on Syria, Russia and Iran tried to soothe Turkey by rejecting the Kurdish-led self-rule in northern Syria in a joint declaration this week. Russia
Kurdish, Syrian, Iranian forces coordinate ahead of Turkish operation Kurdish units and Iranian-affiliated factions in Syria have formed a joint operations room under Russian supervision to counter a possible Turkish military operation in northern Syria. Syria
Senior Islamic State leader detained in US raid in Syria A senior IS leader was detained by US-led forces during a pre-dawn raid in northern Syria on Thursday. Syria
Israel puts Syria on notice over Iran According to foreign reports, Israel is increasing its offensive activities in Syria against Iran-related targets. Israel
Turkish-backed factions form military councils in north Syria ahead of possible Turkish operation The Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army factions are getting ready to manage Tal Rifaat and Manbij in the countryside of Aleppo after expelling the Kurdish forces following an expected Turkish military operation. Syria
Syrian opposition bans wheat exports in response to food crisis The Syrian opposition’s interim government is trying to prevent the smuggling of strategic crops, namely wheat, from its areas of control, amid a global food crisis resulting from the Ukraine war. Syria
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham holds massive military maneuvers in Idlib The Syrian jihadi group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham is boosting readiness in anticipation of new government offensive. Syria
Does Erdogan have a green light from Russia to move into Syria? The US and Iran oppose the planned Turkish operation, as Erdogan digs in further on Finland and Sweden’s NATO bids, and warns Greece on the Aegean Islands. Turkey
Iran, Turkey brace for face-off in Syria Iran has been trying to dissuade Turkey from a fresh intervention in Syria while making military preparations on the ground to protect its interests amid a growing rift between the two neighbors. Iran
