Syrian Arab Republic
Syria receives IMF visit for first time since 2009
Conflict-torn country faces “enormous challenges”, says mission. Majority of GDP wiped out. Restoring power infrastructure alone could cost at least $40bn.
No condemnation of US strikes on Iran from Turkey
Turkish president Erdogan is all too ready to hit out at Netanyahu for Israel's attacks on the Iranians, but when it comes to Trump, interestingly, he's rather restrained.
Suicide bombing at Damascus church kills 20, injures 52
A suicide bombing at St Elias Church in Damascus's Dwaila district on the evening of June 22 killed 20 people and injured 52, latest reports out of Damascus report.
EU sanctions Turkey’s jihadists in Syria for slaughtering Alawites
Militias designated by Council of Ministers represent a failure by Ankara to organise militant groups during the Syria War.
BEYOND THE BOSPORUS: US told Turkey war was imminent. There’s more to Ankara’s stance on conflict than meets the eye
Israeli jets entered Turkish airspace. Erdogan hardly blinked.
Russia slowly being squeezed out of Syria
The new Syrian authorities have gone a long way towards gaining full recognition by the international community and as these relations get better those with Russia are getting worse.
Debris from missiles and drones rains down on homes in southern Syria
Several Iranian drones and missiles were intercepted and downed over Syria’s southern Daraa province on June 14 amid ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iran, local sources and media reported.
Airlines scrap week’s worth of Turkey flights to Iran, Iraq and Jordan as Israel keeps up its bombing of Iranians
To avoid danger zone, aircraft diverted to airports in locations including Istanbul, Baku and Cyprus.
Airlines clear Middle East airspace following Israeli strikes on Iran
Commercial aircraft evacuated from airspace above Israel, Iran, Iraq and Jordan on June 13 after Israeli forces launched attacks targeting Iranian facilities.
Syria's new regime cracks down on women's beachwear
Syria's new authorities crack down on beachwear with Islamic modesty rules for women swimmers.
How Turkey freed Islamic State suspects after G7 terrorist money watchdog took country off grey list
Fact that trial of 19 alleged terror finance individuals was being pursued was factor in FATF’s decision to end listing.
Meet Syria's new first lady who lived in caves during 14-year civil war
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's comments about his wife Latifa al-Droubi have sparked widespread reaction on social media after he revealed she had lived with him in caves and chicken coops.
Resurgent Shiite groups in Syria fire rockets into Israeli-controlled Golan
Israel's military has said that two rockets were launched from Syria and landed in uninhabited areas inside Israeli-controlled territory.
First Flydubai flight lands in Damascus as Emirates announces July resumption
UAE carrier Flydubai resumed flights to Syrian capital Damascus on June 1, with the first service in 12 years hiatus.
Syria resumes trading at Damascus Securities Exchange after six-month suspension
Damascus Securities Exchange resumes trading after 6-month suspension following Syria's political transformation. Finance Minister says reopening signals economic recovery and private sector leadership.
Israel and Turkey open round-the-clock direct line to avoid undesired engagements in Syria
Israelis, meanwhile, said to want to ensure their jets stay off Turkish radar in order to keep Syrian airspace 'dark' for any potential Iran bombing mission.
Syria's security forces seize 4mn captagon pills in Latakia
Syria’s Ministry of Interior announced the seizure of more than 4mn of Captagon pills in the western city of Latakia, as part of a crackdown on drug trafficking. The shipment, intended for smuggling, was found hidden inside industrial equipment.
Arab League leaders call for Gaza ceasefire at Baghdad summit amid regional crises
Gaza and Lebanon dominated the 34th Arab League Summit as some top brass skipped attendance.
Syria and DP World sign $800mn MoU to develop Tartus Port
Syria's new government has signed a deal with Dubai-based DP World to rebuild Tartus port on the Mediterranean Sea.
Syria’s Foreign Minister al-Shaibani meets US Secretary Rubio in Antalya amid sanctions lift announcement
The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on May 15 that Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani met with his American counterpart, Marco Rubio, to discuss the details of lifting sanctions on Syria.