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Syria

July 10, 2026

Damascus 11:03 am

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US President Donald Trump meets Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa (L) on the sidelines of the NATO Summit at Bestepe Presidential Compound in Ankara, on July 8, 2026.

US to drop Syria from terror blacklist

The terrorism label remained a key obstacle to Syria's postwar reconstruction.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) shakes hands with France's President Emmanuel Macron following a joint press conference in Damascus on July 7, 2026.

Explainer

French energy, shipping giants explore Syria deals during Macron visit

The two countries signed preliminary pacts spanning transport, healthcare, banking, infrastructure and development on Tuesday, even as twin explosions in the capital underscored the fragile investment environment.

Ludovic MARIN / AFP via Getty Images

Macron's Syria visit eyes to boost France's economic role: What to know

The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen cooperation and various regional developments during the first visit by a Western head of state to Syria since the civil war ended.

Latest News

Two explosions hit Damascus as Macron visits Syria

Security personnel and first responders prepare to cordon off an area near the Four Seasons Hotel following two blasts nearby in Damascus on July 7, 2026. Syrian authorities said 18 people were wounded by two blasts in central Damascus on July 7 near the hotel where France's president spent the night, with the Elysee Palace saying his visit is ongoing. (Photo by LOUAI BESHARA / AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

How Syria’s wheat fields turned into first battleground over reconstruction

Farmers roast harvested wheat using fire in a field on the outskirts of Aleppo, Syria, on May 18, 2026.

Haddon Barth

By Haddon Barth

Analysis

Can a UAE-backed Syria-Iraq corridor become Gulf's next trade route?

An aerial view shows port of the western Syrian port city of Latakia, on Dec. 18, 2024.

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

Amberin Zaman

Chief Correspondent

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Jared Szuba

Defense and Security Correspondent

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

Beatrice Farhat

Associate Editor (Lebanon)

In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict

Danny Makki

In London, reporting on Syrian politics and culture

Ali Hashem

In Doha, reporting on Iran, regional politics, conflict

Cagatay Cebe

In Istanbul, reporting on security and counterterrorism

Syrians wave Iranian, Russian and Syrian flags during a protest against U.S.-led air strikes in Damascus,Syria April 14,2018.REUTERS/ Omar Sanadiki TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY - RC1815671B90

Iran maneuvers around gaps to preserve interests in Syria

The West’s new activism on Syria is pushing Iran to adapt its approach, though its bottom line remains the same.

US pullout from Iran deal rattles Turkey’s Syria agenda

Ankara faces a navigational nightmare in Syria as each new regional development seems to push its divergent objectives further apart.

Key arrests tighten noose around Islamic State's Baghdadi

Iraq's capture of five key members of the Islamic State organization will assist the Iraqi intelligence service in destroying the organization and preventing its emergence in a new form.

A wounded Palestinian demonstrator is evacuated during a protest against U.S. embassy move to Jerusalem and ahead of the 70th anniversary of Nakba, at the Israel-Gaza border in the southern Gaza Strip May 14, 2018. REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa - RC1119F74020

What's next in Israel-Palestinian conflict?

With Israel riding high after a series of political and military victories, and the Palestinians having suffered 60 deaths on the Gaza border at the hands of the IDF, observers wonder what's next for the leaderships on both sides.

Putin’s stock rises as 'go-to' mediator between Israel, Iran

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may have given Russian president advance notice of attack on Syria; Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan labels United States as loser in decision to withdraw from Iran nuclear deal.

Will escalation in Iran-US tensions impact Syria conflict?

With tension between the United States and Iran rapidly increasing, northern and eastern Syria could witness an upsurge in proxy clashes between parties backed by each side.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) and Israel's defense minister, Avigdor Lieberman (L) during a special Cabinet meeting to mark Jerusalem Day in 1Ein Lavan Spring located in the outskirts of Jerusalem 02 June 2016. REUTERS/Abir Sultan/Pool - S1AETHOLEQAC

Is Israel’s veteran political power couple making comeback?

Despite past quarrels, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman seem very close and coordinated on Iran, Syria and other issues.

Besieged Syrians, with reasons to stay and reasons to leave

The most recent massive displacements and a new property law in Syria are making it even less likely that many refugees and internally displaced persons will ever be able to go back to their hometowns.

Where have those displaced from Syria's Douma gone?

A new refugee camp was established on the outskirts of al-Bel village to accommodate opposition fighters from Jaish al-Islam, as well as their family members and other civilians, who fled Douma.

Missile fire is seen from Damascus, Syria May 10, 2018. REUTERS/Omar Sanadiki - RC13F692C3F0

As tensions flare with Iran, Israel embraces Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s role as mediator between Israel and Tehran is gaining importance as turmoil threatens to boil over in Syria.

Iraqi air force targets IS sites in Syria ahead of elections

Despite earlier opposition to any Iraqi military intervention in Syria, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi ordered the air force to strike Islamic State sites in Syria for the second time this year.

Iranian media claim Syrian, not Iranian, rockets struck Golan

Officials in Tehran have not yet responded to allegations that Iran was behind the attack on the Golan, while Iranian media are asserting that it was a Syrian strike.