Syria
Coverage of Syria in the Nexus archive.
- Syria grapples with unrest as government faces old and new threats
Syria is experiencing unrest as its government faces both old and new threats. Twin blasts in Damascus during Macron's visit have heightened concerns about the country's fragile stability.
- Optimism swells about Trump’s removal of Syrian terrorism designation
President Donald Trump is expected to remove Syria's state sponsor of terrorism designation ahead of a meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the NATO summit in Ankara. The removal would facilitate private-sector investment in Syria and ease legal barriers for companies like Chevron, ConocoPhillips, and Nokia.
- Trump expected to remove Syrian terrorism designation
President Donald Trump is expected to remove Syria's state sponsor of terrorism designation during a meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the NATO summit in Ankara. The move aims to facilitate private-sector investment in Syria and align with broader U.S. strategic goals in the Middle East, though the State Department notes several steps remain before the designation can be officially lifted.
- Undeterred by blasts, Macron says France ready to help rebuild Syria's economy
Macron states France is prepared to assist in rebuilding Syria's economy despite blasts. The article focuses on business and economic developments.
- Watch: Monsoon rains trigger deadly debris slip in Wayanad |Above the Fold | 07.07.2026
Monsoon rains triggered a deadly debris slip in Wayanad, Kerala. The article also covers Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Indonesia, explosions in Syria during French President Emmanuel Macron’s trip, and the Gujarat High Court’s ruling on the 2008 Ahmedabad blasts case.
- Optimistic tone of Macron's visit doesn't hide precariousness of Syria's security
A bomb exploded near the Four Seasons hotel in Damascus, wounding 18 people and targeting the location where French president Macron had been staying, though he had already left. A year after al-Sharaa's visit to Paris, the leaders aim to strengthen economic relations.
- Bomb attacks wound 18 in Damascus as Macron visits
Two bomb attacks in Damascus near President Macron's hotel wounded 18 people. The bombs, placed in a car and garbage container, exploded during dismantling efforts. Macron continued his visit to discuss Syria's reconstruction with Ahmed al-Sharaa.
- Syria's al-Sharaa bets on relaunching economy to solve other issues
France is redefining its security and military cooperation with Syria, including potential support from French special forces to combat Islamic State. The announcement was made by President Macron during a visit to Damascus, though security challenges persist in the country.
- Explosions rock Syria's capital as French President Macron visits
Explosions in Damascus injured 18 people during French President Macron's visit, marking the second attack in a week. Macron and Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa agreed to reappoint ambassadors after over a decade, signaling restored diplomatic ties. The blasts occurred near Macron's hotel and involved devices in a garbage bin and a parked car.
- Bombs Explode Near Hotel Where Macron Hosted Meetings During Syria Visit, 18 Injured
Two bombs exploded near the hotel in Damascus where French President Emmanuel Macron held meetings. The attack injured 18 people.
- Syria: Macron ‘safe’ after blasts near French president’s hotel
Two bomb explosions occurred near the hotel in Damascus where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying. Macron was confirmed safe, with his motorcade leaving the hotel before the explosions.
- What to know about Macron's landmark visit to Syria
French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Syria marks the first by an EU leader since rebels ousted dictator al-Assad. The trip aims to support Syria's rehabilitation, but unclaimed explosions near Macron's hotel in Damascus highlight ongoing security risks.
- 'France stands by Syria's side': Macron 'most enthusiastic in Europe' to repair ties
French President Emmanuel Macron visited Syria, stating 'France stands by its side' and aiming to boost investment in the war-torn country. The visit coincided with security challenges, including a twin explosion near Macron's hotel, as both leaders seek to rebuild Syria despite ongoing risks.
- Al-Sharaa's capacity to bring security to Syria and the region under scrutiny
French President Emmanuel Macron is visiting Syria's leader Ahmed al-Sharaa ahead of a NATO summit on July 7. The visit includes signing contracts for Syria's reconstruction, with security concerns both domestically and regionally being the primary focus. Western leaders are assessing al-Sharaa's ability to address these security challenges.
- Syria's rehabilitation 'suits the West' while Damascus hopes to attract investors
Two bombs exploded in Damascus near where French President Emmanuel Macron is staying, wounding 18 people. Ahmed al-Sharaa is emphasizing Syria's security challenges to attract foreign investment for the war-torn country's rebuilding.
- Explosions reported in Damascus amid Macron's visit to Syria, state media says
Explosions were reported in Damascus during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Syria, according to state media. Macron is the first major Western leader to visit Syria since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
- Explosions heard near Macron's Damascus hotel amid high-risk, landmark visit
Explosions were heard near French President Emmanuel Macron's hotel in Damascus during his surprise visit, hosted by Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa. Macron has been instrumental in advocating for European and U.S. sanctions relief on Syria.
- French President Macron safe after bomb blasts near hotel in Damascus
French President Emmanuel Macron is safe after two bombs exploded outside his hotel in Damascus. The French government confirmed his safety and stated he will continue his visit to Syria.
- French President Macron safe after bomb blasts near hotel in Damascus
French President Emmanuel Macron is safe after two bombs exploded outside his hotel in Damascus. The French government confirmed he will continue his visit to Syria.
- Explosions rock Damascus, wounding 4, as French President Macron visits Syria
Explosions in Damascus wounded four people during French President Macron's visit to Syria. Macron's office confirmed he was safe and that his meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa would proceed as planned.
- Explosions rock Damascus, wounding 4, as French President Macron visits Syria
Explosions in Damascus wounded four people during French President Macron's visit to Syria. Macron's office confirmed his safety and the continuation of his meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa.
- Explosions shake Damascus as Macron visits
Explosions occurred in Damascus during French President Macron's visit to Syria. Macron is the first EU leader to travel to Syria since the fall of the Assad regime.
- Bomb blasts rock Syrian capital Damascus 'near hotel where French President Macron is staying'
Bomb blasts occurred in Damascus near the hotel where French President Macron is staying. The attack targeted the Syrian capital's area hosting a foreign leader.
- Nato summit begins with focus on defence spending as Zelenskyy and Trump due to meet - Europe live
The NATO summit begins with a focus on defense spending amid tensions with the US over Iran and Greenland. Explosions in Damascus, Syria, occurred near the Four Seasons Hotel, where French president Emmanuel Macron stayed after meeting Syrian president Ahmad al-Sharaa.
- Explosions rock Damascus during Macron's visit
Explosions occurred near the Four Seasons Hotel in Damascus, Syria, during French President Macron's visit. The incident was captured in a video showing smoke and fire rising from the site on July 7, 2026.
- French president’s office says Macron is safe following Damascus explosions and that his visit to Syria is continuing
French President Macron is confirmed safe following explosions in Damascus, and his visit to Syria continues. The French president's office provided the update regarding his safety and itinerary.
- What to expect from Trump's meetings with Erdogan and Sharaa in Ankara
US President Donald Trump is set to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa during a NATO summit in Ankara. Trump has publicly praised both leaders for their strength and charm, emphasizing personal diplomacy over previous US policies. The meetings aim to strengthen bilateral ties, particularly in the context of regional stability and the Gaza ceasefire efforts.
- Explosions rock Damascus as French President Macron visits Syria
Explosions occurred in Damascus shortly after French President Emmanuel Macron arrived at the presidential palace to meet Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa.
- Explosion heard in Damascus during French president's visit
An explosion was heard in central Damascus during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Syria. Witnesses reported smoke near a high-end hotel where Macron stayed, and the incident occurred as he held talks with Syrian counterpart Ahmed al-Sharaa.
- Explosions rock Damascus as French President Macron visits Syria
Explosions occurred in Damascus during French President Macron's visit to Syria. The article reports the incident without additional context.
- Explosions rock Damascus on second day of Macron's visit to Syria
Explosions were heard in Damascus on Tuesday during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit, with witnesses reporting smoke near a high-end hotel where he stayed. Macron is the first major EU leader to visit Damascus since the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
- Explosions heard in Syria’s Damascus
Explosions were heard in Damascus, Syria. Television footage showed plumes of smoke rising in the sky, but the cause of the blasts remains unclear.
- Netanyahu says US giving Turkey F-35 jets would 'upset power balance' in the region
Netanyahu opposes the US providing F-35 jets to Turkey, arguing it would disrupt the regional power balance maintained by Israeli air superiority and American influence. Tensions between Israel and Turkey have escalated, with Ankara severing trade ties with Israel in May 2024 and supporting a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
- Macron arrives in Syria for talks ahead of NATO summit in Turkiye
French President Macron is visiting Syria ahead of the NATO summit in Turkiye, marking the first visit by a Western European leader since Bashar al-Assad's overthrow.
- Macron visits Syria in first major western leader trip under new leadership
French President Emmanuel Macron visited Syria as the first major Western leader since Bashar al-Assad's ousting in December 2024. He traveled with a business delegation to discuss regional security and investment opportunities and will attend a NATO summit in Ankara where Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa is set to meet US President Donald Trump.
- Emmanuel Macron visits Syria, 18 months after Assad's fall
Emmanuel Macron visited Syria, becoming the first EU leader to do so since Bashar Assad's fall and Ahmed al-Sharaa's rise as president. The visit occurred 18 months after Assad's downfall.
- Macron arrives in Syria for first post-Assad visit by West European head of state
French President Macron visited Syria, marking the first post-Assad visit by a Western European head of state. He emphasized commitment to the Syrian people and a united, diverse Syria at peace with its neighbors.
- Macron in Syria on first post-Assad visit by West European head of state
French President Emmanuel Macron visited Damascus for the first time by a Western European head of state since Syria's new authorities took power in 2024. He aimed to advocate for a free, pluralist Syria and moderating Middle East tensions, with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani welcoming him.
- Macron arrives in Syria as first major western leader to visit war-torn country under new leadership
French President Emmanuel Macron became the first major Western leader to visit Syria since Bashar al-Assad's 2024 ouster. His visit, during a period of Middle East calm, includes discussions on regional security and investment with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, who will also meet U.S. President Donald Trump at the NATO summit in Ankara.
- France's Macron visits Syria, in first trip by an EU head of state since Assad toppled
French President Emmanuel Macron visited Syria, marking the first trip by an EU head of state since Bashar al-Assad was toppled in 2024. The visit highlights Syria's geopolitical shift under Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former al Qaeda commander who has built ties with Western and Middle Eastern powers to aid the country's recovery from 13 years of war.