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
Kremlin hopes Syria can be a future thorn in NATO's southern flank The longer runway at Khmeimim airbase in Syria gives nuclear-capable bombers a place to land, and is one more move in Russia's plan to expand its capacities in new directions. Russia
Turkey’s pro-Kurdish party seeks justice for murdered party volunteer The Peoples’ Democratic Party charges that the prosecutors are reluctant to fully investigate the links of the health worker who attacked the party’s office in June. Turkey
Kurdish leaders say poverty 'biggest threat,' driving Syrians into arms of IS Offers of money by the Islamic State to join its ranks prove "irresistible" to those hit hard by Syria's collapsed economy. Syria
Syrian jihadist group opens food market north of Idlib Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which controls Idlib in northwestern Syria, is supporting development projects in various economic sectors. Syria
Syrian government loosens travel restrictions on Christian clergy The Syrian government has waived border fees for Christian church leaders entering the country. Syria
Currency crisis threatens Turkey's Syria strategy Turkey’s economic turmoil might challenge Ankara's grip over opposition-held areas in Syria, where in-house rivalries among the armed factions over financial resources have escalated. Turkey
China provides grant to Syrian nonprofit The grant followed a phone conversation between Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his counterpart, Xi Jinping, about China's global economic initiatives and reconstruction in Syria. News Brief
Syrian jihadi group sees wave of defections in Idlib Schisms within Hayat Tahrir al-Sham are widening as its leader shifts to convey a moderate image and eliminate more radical rival groups. Syria
Syrian Airlines adds more flights to Dubai The United Arab Emirates and Syria continue to improve their relationship after years of Gulf states shunning the Assad government. News Brief
Iran expands economic reach into oil-rich region of Syria Iran exports to Syria are increasing, a sign of an improving economic relation between the two countries. Syria
Middle East sees most hostage-taking of journalists in 2021, report says Reporters Without Borders said of the 65 journalists held by nonstate actors worldwide, nearly all were abducted in Syria, Yemen and Iraq. News Brief
Intel: Final defense bill gives Congress more oversight of US Syria policy Lawmakers are grabbing the reins on the Biden administration’s dormant approach to Syria’s conflict. Syria
