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
US Strike in Syria Won't Affect Stalled Turkey-PKK Peace Talks Turkey-PKK negotiations are already stalled. Syria
Israelis Amazed by Open Debate In US Congress on Syria If Israel was to discuss striking Syria, it would never have taken place in a Knesset open debate — as is the case in the US Congress — but behind closed doors. Israel
Israel Awaits Cyberattack From Syrian Electronic Army The Syrian Electronic Army, related to elements supporting President Assad, intensifies its targeting of government bodies and global media outlets. Israel
Israel's Right Wing Does Not Care About US Credibility Israel's right wing seeks to score propaganda points at US expense. Israel
War Clouds Gather Over Lebanon A US strike on Syria could double the already large number of refugees in Lebanon. Lebanon
US-Iran Nuclear Deal Hinges On Syria Vote If US President Barack Obama fails to win the congressional vote on the authorization to use force against Syria, Iran will conclude a nuclear deal is out of reach. Syria
Egypt Debates US Strike on Syria Anti-Americanism has clouded perceptions in what is now the post-realist phase of the Egyptian revolution. Egypt
Refugee Crisis in Lebanon Takes Extra Toll on Women The plight of women in Lebanese refugee camps is worsening as refugees continue to flee the war in Syria. Lebanon
Hezbollah's Empty Threats Against Israel Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad, Damascus and Tehran are all threatening to set Israel ablaze after any attack on Syria, but none of them has the interest or ability to follow through. Palestine
Turkey’s Middle East Policy Lies in Shambles While Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan may still have some admirers in the "Arab street," he may be losing the admiration of many of the region’s leaders. Egypt
Is Turkey Backpedaling on Syria? Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc has signaled that Turkey hasn't fully decided to join the coalition of the willing against the Syrian regime. Syria
Is There a Plan For Day After Military Strike? As the world awaits a potential Western military strike on Syria, the results and repercussions of such a strike would largely depend on the plan or vision to be implemented the day after. Lebanon
