Nuclear Security: Syria reached a US- and Israel-backed understanding to let the IAEA remove nuclear material left from the Assad era at the “Site 99” facility, including yellowcake and related waste, aiming to reduce risks of misuse like a “dirty bomb.” Regional Tech & Science: St. Jude researchers built a single-cell atlas of spinal neurons tied to motor coordination, pinpointing a subgroup linked to rhythmic movement—useful for understanding spinal injury recovery. Syria Reconstruction & Governance: A new policy brief warns reconstruction could deepen inequality and concentrate wealth unless Syria adopts a coherent national strategy, strengthens institutions, and clarifies property rights. Return Tensions in NE Syria: Kurdish families attempting to return to Ras al-Ayn (Sari Kani) from a camp were attacked, with local authorities citing disputes over returns without coordination. Arctic Research: China’s icebreaker Xuelong 2 began Arctic ice-station surveys, deploying buoys and collecting ice cores to track sea-ice and ecosystem changes. Telecom Business: Zain Group reported strong H1 2026 results, with net profit up 73% as 5G demand and digital/fintech growth lifted revenue. AI Policy: Turing laureate Robert Tarjan urged caution in the AI race, arguing societies should weigh benefits and harms rather than just move faster.