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Syria

July 10, 2026

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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

Convoys arrive in Idlib as hundreds of Syrians flee Daraa

Humanitarian organizations in the northern Syrian province of Idlib are preparing to host hundreds of displaced citizens coming from Daraa in the south, where they were forced to choose between giving up their weapons and accepting a cease-fire deal or fleeing.

A U.S. soldier runs at a coalition forces forward base near West Mosul, Iraq June 21, 2017, where Iraqi security forces are fighting Islamic State. REUTERS/Marius Bosch - RC1F464C5CA0

Pentagon shifts equipment from Iraq to Syria

The Pentagon is removing mine rollers and armored carriers from Iraq as it draws down its presence in the country.

US Ambassador to the United Nation Nikki Haley arrives at a press conference at the US Department of State in Washington DC on June 19, 2018. - The United States announced that it is withdrawing from the UN Human Rights Council. (Photo by Andrew CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP) (Photo credit should read ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP/Getty Images)

Pompeo, Haley try to regroup after Helsinki

In the wake of Helsinki summit, there are signs of a growing chasm between President Donald Trump and his Cabinet chiefs trying to implement US policies toward the Middle East.

Putin envoy tells Iran that cooperation in Syria will continue

Iranian and Russian officials have insisted that despite pressure from outside countries, the two countries will continue to support the Syrian government.

An Israeli soldier stands next to signs pointing out distances to different cities, on Mount Bental, an observation post in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights that overlooks the Syrian side of the Quneitra crossing, Israel May 10, 2018. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY - RC1D6EF6AF90

Congress calls on Trump to recognize Israeli sovereignty over Golan

After President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, congressional Republicans are rallying around the Netanyahu government’s next big ask.

Turkey wary of US-Russia deal on Syria

Ankara is increasingly concerned that Washington is working with Moscow to secure an accord for northern Syria between the Bashar al-Assad regime and the Kurds.

Trade unions unify in Syria's rebel-held north

A group of opposition-affiliated trade unions in Aleppo’s countryside announce the formation of the Federation of Free Syndicates to enhance the role of syndicates in supporting local councils.

What’s next for Syria after Helsinki summit?

The meeting between the Russian and US presidents did as little for the Middle East as it possibly could, though the two leaders seemed to identify Syria as a good place to rebuild US-Russian cooperation.

U.S. soldiers drive a military vehicle on the road connecting al-Rai town to Azaz city, northern Aleppo countryside, Syria October 4, 2016. REUTERS/Khalil Ashawi - S1BEUFBZQFAE

Pentagon eyes shrinking role in Syria as Trump and Putin negotiate deal

Syrian rebels have presented the White House with military options to push back against Bashar al-Assad’s gains in the southwest, Al-Monitor has learned.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Russia's President Vladimir Putin talk during the family photo session at the APEC Summit in Danang, Vietnam November 11, 2017. REUTERS/Jorge Silva TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY - RC1E7D8D2110

The art of the deal in Helsinki

A win-win on Syria is there for the taking by leveraging Putin’s relationship with Iran.

Khamenei adviser warns Moscow of 'empty promises' from US

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei sent his top adviser to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of the Russian leader's meeting with Trump, in hopes that Moscow will remain wary of US promises.

Azzam al-Ahmad (L), head of the Fatah group, and Mousa Abu Marzook, a senior member of Hamas, speak after a news conference in Cairo April 27, 2011. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah group has inked a deal with bitter rival Hamas to end their long-running feud and form an interim government ahead of elections this year, officials said on Wednesday. REUTERS/Asmaa Waguih (EGYPT - Tags: POLITICS) - GM1E74S0BG401

Fatah seeks to rekindle ties with Syrian regime

Rival Palestinian parties Fatah and Hamas are both making overtures to Syria, but one appears to be having considerably more success than the other.