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
Israel's opportunity in Syria Israel has an opportunity to pursue both humanitarian and strategic objectives in Syria, and to support the Arab Peace Initiative. Palestine
Al-Monitor Congress Pulse expands Syria, Russia-Ukraine-Mideast coverage Congress Pulse and "Trendlines" delve into the implications of Ukraine for US policy in the Middle East. Syria
Iran weighs 'active neutrality' in Ukraine Iran’s strategic priorities remain a comprehensive nuclear agreement and a political solution in Syria. Syria
Pro-regime Sunni fighters in Aleppo defy sectarian narrative Pro-regime militias such as the Al-Quds and Baath Brigades are at the forefront of the battle against rebels in Aleppo, and they're mostly Sunni. Syria
ISIS suicide attacks target Syrian Kurdish capital The Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) is increasing its terror campaign against Kurds in northern Syria. Syria
Lebanon's March 14 bloc takes stock on ninth anniversary As the ninth anniversary of the March 14, 2005, demonstrations in Lebanon approach, the March 14 movement is faced with both challenges and opportunities. Lebanon
Syrian women refugees humiliated, exploited in Turkey Many female Syrian refugees in Turkey endure sexual harassment and exploitation by employers, prospective husbands and male kin. Syria
Assad sends signals to Russia, US While Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has offered Russian President Vladimir Putin full support in the Ukrainian crisis, he's also signalling a willingness to defuse tensions on the border with Israel. Syria
Syrian opposition can learn from Ukraine The Syrian opposition should reassess its strategy in light of Russia's position in both Syria and Ukraine. Syria
9/11 plotter released in Syria prisoner exchange Islamist rebel group Ahrar al-Sham has secured the release of 9/11 plotter and alleged al-Qaeda core member Mohammed Haydar Zammar, adding to concerns about the composition of the Islamic Front. Syria
Watch Trendlines “Blowback?: Ukraine and the Middle East" The next PBS NewsHour-Al-Monitor web special will focus on the implications of the crisis in Ukraine for US policy in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia
What next for Qatar and the GCC? Following the decision by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates to withdraw their ambassadors from Qatar, will Doha reassess its foreign policy to ensure it can continue playing the vital role of mediator in thorny regional issues? Saudi Arabia
