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
Islamic State works to win hearts, minds with bread The Islamic State is investing heavily in social services in a bid to legitimize and consolidate its rule. Syria
Pro-regime Syrians take risks to dodge draft The Syrian army is continuing to conscript recruits for compulsory military service, but young men, including supporters of the regime, are avoiding conscription at the risk of arrest and imprisonment. Syria
Islamic State urges Turkish businessmen to return to Iraq In an interview with Al-Monitor, Turkey's economy minister says that in addition to IS prompting Turkish businessmen to return to Iraq, trade with Israel remains unaffected despite the current crisis, and 2015 will see an increase in exports and decrease in deficit. Iraq
Aleppo’s rebels struggle to hold on as regime, IS advance Rebels in Aleppo say they are preparing a counterattack to recover the vital Sheikh Najjar Industrial City, which was captured by regime forces early this month. Iraq
Hezbollah, Hamas repair political ties during breakup The fraught relations between Hezbollah and Hamas could come to an end as Israel continues its ground offensive in the Gaza Strip. Palestine
Aleppo's streets empty as residents brace for siege Rebel fighters and civilians in rebel-held east Aleppo have launched a collective initiative to combat an expected siege by government forces. Syria
Personal appearance by Nasrallah could be target for attacks While Hezbollah sources hint that Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah may appear in person to deliver this year's Quds Day speech, there are questions of whether he can, in light of genuine concerns for his safety. Lebanon
Saudis see Houthi gains in Yemen as advance for Iran Many Saudis are interpreting the Houthis’ sudden advance toward the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, as a message from Iran that it will not tolerate a Sunni Islamist advance on Baghdad. Saudi Arabia
Gloves come off between Syrian regime, Islamic State A deadly assault by the Islamic State on a regime-held gas field in Homs province marks a new chapter in Syria's civil war as government forces and Islamic State face off. Iraq
Turkey’s Syrian refugee problem spirals out of control Syrian refugees in Turkey are regularly subject to hostilities by locals, a trend Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan implies the opposition is responsible for. Syria
Jabhat al-Nusra, IS compete for foreign fighters Concerned that the Islamic State has an advantage in recruiting foreign jihadists with its declared Islamic caliphate, al-Qaeda’s official branch in Syria, Jabhat al-Nusra, has declared an Islamic emirate. Syria
Domestic violence increases among Syrian refugees The stresses of the war and lack of income are resulting in more cases of domestic violence among Syrian refugees in Jordan. Jordan
