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
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran declares 'existential war' as US strikes reach near Tehran By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
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
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Kremlin confirms S-400 talks with Turkey By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran hits Gulf, warns Hormuz will reopen on its terms By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
After Maaloula, Syrian army heads to Zabadani The Syrian army has taken control of Maaloula, and seems to be on the verge of recovering most of the region linking Damascus to Lebanon. Lebanon
Syria's graffiti revolution Syrian graffiti artists seek to reclaim the spirit of the revolution by taking on both the Assad government and radical Islamists. Syria
European jihadists form ISIS brigades in Syria Enough European jihadists are fighting for the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) that the radical group has created French- and German-speaking brigades. Syria
Israel-Russia ties strong despite Ukraine Both Israel and Russia value their growing strategic relationship. Israel
House bill demands tougher line against Hezbollah Bipartisan legislation introduced Monday in the House Foreign Affairs Committee pushes sanctions against financial institutions and satellite providers that aid Hezbollah. Lebanon
Next Lebanese president depends on Tehran, Riyadh Influential regional players, such as Iran and Saudi Arabia, are so far unable to agree on a presidential candidate in Lebanon. Saudi Arabia
Erdogan’s victory a warning to West Despite his party’s win in the municipal elections, the Turkish prime minister’s policies, including toward Syria, are likely to lead to further political polarization and distance from the United States and Europe. Syria
Syria's moderate rebels still losing ground to extremists The ascendance of Islamic groups among Syria's opposition has clouded prospects for more advanced weapons to be provided to moderate factions. Syria
Hezbollah sanctions bill targets central banks The House Foreign Affairs Committee is set to unveil a new sanctions bill targeting the Iran-backed militia Lebanon
Syrian Kurds blame Iran, Turkey for ISIS attacks Syria's main Kurdish force, the Democratic Union Party, says that the ISIS battle with Syrian Kurdish groups is benefiting the Syrian government. Iraq
Turkey a 'political war zone' on eve of elections Turkey's leaders look to Syria as a distraction from the latest domestic political crisis; the US Congress considers new sanctions on Hezbollah; Al-Monitor expands coverage of Russia and the Middle East. Syria
Tourism is Lebanon’s biggest missed opportunity A new report highlights the wasted potential of the tourism sector in Lebanon. Lebanon
