Damascus
Syria bets on tourism revival, but visitor surge faces test of security, services
The Tourism Ministry says Syria received 3.52 million visitors in the first half of 2026, up 111% from the same period last year, however, most of these ‘visitors’ were Syrian expatriates.
Christians arbitrarily detained in Syria denied Bible access, forced to observe Ramadan, CSI report
As Syria discontinues the 'Assad Pound,' can new currency regain Syrians' trust? - analysis
Golan Heights 'are Syrian territory,' UN chief Guterres stresses during Damascus visit
Syria appoints new cabinet as government settles into power
The reshuffle, announced by Syrian state media, included the appointment of new governors for several key provinces.
ISIS disrupts Damascus calm, says it assassinated Shi'ite figure
The attack, which took place on May 1, 2026, revived memories of the group’s past hit-and-run operations targeting carefully selected religious and military figures.
Syria’s crackdown on Hezbollah shows Damascus's commitment to security - analysis
Hezbollah entered Syria in large numbers around 2012-2013 via the city of Qusayr, with its role in Syria diminishing since the fall of the Assad regime.
Syria thwarts Hezbollah-affiliated plot to assassinate gov’t officials, Interior Ministry announces
Hezbollah put out a statement denying the “false accusations” that it was behind the cell, asserting it had no presence on Syrian territory.
Does Syria’s rise in the Press Freedom Index reflect reality? - analysis
Syria climbed 36 places in the 2026 Reporters Without Borders ranking, but deep constraints on independent journalism remain.
Syrian pilot confessions reveal centralized bombing orders during war
One pilot, who had held senior leadership positions, noted that certain officers were granted special trust by the leadership and were assigned intensive bombing missions.
Syria opens first public trial of former Assad regime official Atef Najib
Syria has opened its first public trial for a former Assad regime official, Atef Najib, marking a shift toward accountability. The trial focuses on crimes committed in Dara’a and Damascus.
Syrian President al-Sharaa positions country for regional role in Gulf, EU meetings
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited the Gulf last week as part of his efforts to shore up support for Damascus across the Middle East and Europe amid rising regional tensions.
Syria accuses Hezbollah-linked cells of plotting attacks, signaling break from Assad-era alliance
Damascus is moving against networks it says planned assassinations, bombings, and rocket fire, raising new questions about sovereignty and power after Bashar Assad’s fall.
Main suspect in Syria's Tadamon massacre arrested, ministry says
Amjad Yousef was arrested in the Hama province in western Syria, where he had been hiding since the overthrow of Bashar Assad in 2024.
