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
Obama Stuns Israel With Delay on Syria Strike The US president's decision to seek congressional approval to strike Syria has caught Israel and its security establishment by surprise. Israel
US Military Force Could Promote Diplomacy in Syria If the endgame is a diplomatic solution, the Obama administration should seek to strengthen secular Syrian opposition forces in advance of the Geneva II conference. Syria
Regional Turmoil Casts Shadow On Israelis’ New Year’s Eve Israelis will celebrate the Jewish New Year with the threat of the Syrian civil war, the revolutions in Egypt and other changes in the region; next year doesn't promise more stability. Palestine
Obama's Unnecessary Red Line President Obama's hesitation in enforcing his own red line on Syria will make Israelis question his limits for Iran. Israel
Islamic Jihad May Respond If Israel Enters Syria War Fighters from Al-Quds Brigades say they are ready to fight in Syria alongside Hezbollah if requested. Palestine
Syria's Bus Drivers Brave War to Provide Transport Bus companies operating between Lebanese and Syrian cities continue despite the high dangers of war. Lebanon
Attacking Al-Qaeda in Syria A robust information campaign to undermine al-Qaeda in Syria would help to mitigate, although not eliminate, the dangers of the civil war. Syria
Saudi Arabia Pushes US Toward Military Strike in Syria Saudi Arabia is advocating for a US military strike in Syria to advance its own regional and sectarian agenda. Saudi Arabia
Iran Pleased With US Pause On Syria Strike Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif had been stressing the need for cooperation and consultation on Syria. Syria
Syria's Rebels Not Unified On US Strike Syria's rebels are cautious about attacks that they believe may benefit Israel, and not aid them in defeating President Bashar al-Assad. Syria
Turkey's Role Limited In Syria Crisis Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu justify their tough approach to Syria, but may not have much of a role in de-escalating the crisis. Syria
Delay in Action Against Syria Could Help Geneva II Track Bad memories of the Iraq invasion should lead to negotiations to end the Syrian conflict. Iraq
