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
Iran’s Foreign Minister Backs US-Russia Plan for Syria Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif says that if there is a chance for peace in Syria, “we have to grab it.” Syria
Russia's Mideast Role A Plus for Palestinians Active Russian involvement in the Middle East will be welcomed by Palestinians, as they seek to counter Israel's hold on US policy. Palestine
US-Russia Agreement Gives Hope on Syria The US-Russian understanding on Syria presents a number of challenges but also positive opportunities. Lebanon
Syria Crisis Prompts Turkey's New Openings to Its Alevis Turkey’s new liberalization package for its largest religious minority is linked to Syria. Syria
Obama’s Syria Policy Has Potential For Breakthrough on War Al-Monitor’s analysis and coverage of US policy toward Syria. Syria
Syria War Paralyzes Region's Economies General instability in post-Arab Spring Middle Eastern countries, along with ongoing conflicts, has left the region's economic situation particularly dismal. Lebanon
Court Case Reveals Turkey Arms Flow To Syrian Rebels The transfer of Turkish weapons to the Free Syrian Army is documented in a court case in Hatay. Syria
Turkey’s Syria Border on Edge A first-hand account of Turkey’s Syrian border suggests that Turkey continues to provide sanctuary for both rebels fighting the Syrian government and Kurdish forces alike. Syria
Iran Looks to Iraq for Syria Support Qassem Soleimani, the leader of Iran’s Qods Force, has been seeking assistance from Iraqi Shiite forces to provide support to the Syrian regime but without much apparent success. Iraq
The Myth of Israeli Self-Reliance Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statement that Israel relies only on itself contradicts Israel's military history, throughout which Israel has needed American arms shipments. Israel
The Alchemy of Syria's Conflict For US, Russia Disagreement over culpability for the Aug. 21 Syrian chemical weapons attack would not deter a US-Russian initiative to end the war. Syria
Israel's Brooding Versus Hopeful Expectation for Peace Israel's brooding over Syria should be shifted to hopeful expectation of a peaceful outcome. Lebanon
