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
UN Resolution Opens New Chapter in Syria Conflict A UN Security Council resolution has recast the Syria conflict as a matter for international diplomacy, not US unilateral action. Syria
Turkish Court Investigates Syrian Jihadist Use of Chemicals Turkish prosecutors have indicted a Syrian opposition figure with links to Jabhat al-Nusra's attempts to manufacture chemical weapons. Syria
Yemen divided over Syria conflict A diversity of views among Yemen's citizens has led to Yemeni factions taking opposing stances regarding the conflict in Syria. Yemen
Syrian Coalition Prepares For Geneva II Conference Khalid Saleh, spokesman for the National Coalition of Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces, says that opposition groups on the ground will support UN teams tasked to eliminate Syria’s chemical weapons. Syria
Syrian FM Refuses to Deal With US-Backed Opposition Group Walid Moallem, Syria’s minister of foreign affairs and expatriates, says he will not deal with the National Coalition of Syrian Opposition and Revolutionary Forces, possibly complicating plans for Geneva II in November. Syria
Using Women to Win in Syria Women's brigades are fighting on both sides of the conflict in Syria, serving an important purpose for both regime and rebels. Syria
What is Turkey’s Role In Syria’s Islamic Opposition? Experts in Ankara question Turkey’s policies as al-Qaeda-affiliate Syrian rebel groups declare goal of establishing a Sharia-based state. Syria
Kenya Terror Strike Al-Qaeda's Latest In Global Jihad Al-Qaeda continually reconstitutes itself as a global terrorist threat, headquartered in Pakistan, and with franchises throughout Africa, the Middle East and worldwide. Syria
Can Turkey, Iran Cooperate on Syria? Working with Iran could help end Turkey’s growing isolation over the Syrian civil war. Syria
New Information Indicates Kidnapped Syrian Bishops Still Alive The two Syrian bishops kidnapped in April are still alive, according to new information, and Turkish authorities may be working to secure their release. Lebanon
In Lebanon, Syrian Refugees Put Political Differences Aside Syrian refugees in Lebanon try to avoid the divisions that are fueling the war at home. Lebanon
Obama, Rouhani Stress Diplomacy But Do Not Meet The presidents of the US and Iran suggest they can resolve their differences peacefully in dueling speeches at the UN General Assembly. Syria
