August 2025

UN General Assembly in session. (Basil D Soufi, Wikimedia Commons)

Syria rejoins world body after six decades

26 August 2025. President Ahmad al-Sharaa will be the first Syrian head of state in nearly 60 years to speak to the world assembly, marking Syria’s historic re-entry into global diplomacy. The Foreign Ministry called the UN’s invitation a major sign of the readjustment of positions on Syria, an acknowledgment of the transformation taking place. The president is expected to address Israel’s military incursions in Syria and call upon the world body to support a political solution.Read more at: LEVANT24

Meeting of US Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack, US Representative Joe Wilson and Senator Jeanne Shaheen with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa (center), Interior Minister Anas Khattab and Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra in Damascus, August 25, 2025. (Social Media)

US lifts all economic sanctions on Syria marking shift in relations

26 August 2025. American and Syrian officials met in Damascus on the announcement of the full removal of US economic sanctions. Discussions focused on regional security, trade, and humanitarian conditions, along with ways to deepen dialogue and cooperation. The Syrian-American Coalition for Peace and Prosperity said, “This visit opens the door to positive US involvement in the process of construction and stability in Syria.”Read more at: LEVANT24

President meets with Arab media delegation in Damascus, August 24th. (Syrian Arab Republic Presidency)

President al-Sharaa shares his views of Israel, Hezbollah, Lebanon, and SDF

25 August 2025. At a meeting with an Arab media delegation, President al-Sharaa confirmed Syria’s ongoing talks with Israel, saying he would not hesitate to make: “any agreement or decision that serves the interests of Syria and the region,” but that any deal must honour the 1974 armistice line. He said the new Syria would not be used to settle scores with Hezbollah, that “Lebanon must benefit from Syria’s renaissance,” and that it’s important to free the collective memory from burdens of the past.Read more at: ENAB BALADI

President Al-Sharaa holds August dialogue in Idlib, emphasising the importance of maintaining unity. (video still, Qusay Noor YouTube channel)

President declares Syria unbreakable

23 August 2025. President Ahmad al-Sharaa declared in a recent speech in Idlib, that Syria’s unity is non-negotiable, that partition is not an option and that attempts to form internal cantons within the country are “impossible.” He also stated that international efforts to weaken Syria internally were “unrealistic.” The president underscored the importance of reconciliation efforts in Suwayda and Daraa and affirmed that possession of arms would be limited to state institutions.Read more at: LEVANT24

Sweeping campaign is waged to dismantle Assad-era drug trade. (SANA)

Syria undergoes radical shift toward rule of law

22 August 2025. Under President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s leadership, Syria launched an ambitious campaign to dismantle the Captagon drug economy, born in the shadow of war, and restore public trust in governance. Britain’s Financial Times called it a ‘radical transformation,’ noting that production and trafficking have dropped by 80%. Brigadier General Khaled Eid, Director of Drug Control, stated the crackdown began on “the first day of liberation,” signalling a new era of reform, accountability, and national renewal.Read more at: SANA

UN Special Envoy, Geir Pedersen, addresses extended Security Council session on Syria. (SANA)

UN leaders rally behind Syria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and stability

21 August 2025. The UN Special Envoy to Syria told the Security Council that Syria is “witnessing a state of calm.” He affirmed the importance of efforts to monitor the ceasefire in Sweida, asserting the necessity for the country’s peaceful transition. UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs called on the UN to shift from humanitarian aid to long-term support for Syria’s development and reconstruction. Security Council members condemned Israeli strikes and praised the new government’s policies and progress.Read more at: SANA

A Memoir of Syria

The Home that Was Our Country is a deeply insightful and engaging memoir that interweaves the textures of Syrian history, during the time of the author’s great-grandfather, with her personal experience of Syria in the years following the Arab Spring. Born in the US, she decided to move to Damascus in 2011 when hopes of freedom filled the air, to reclaim the apartment of her grandmother that was lost to the family during the first Assad regime.

Umayyad Mosque in Damascus. (SANA)

Damascus to become capital of Islamic Culture in 2027

21 August 2025. Syria’s Ministry of Culture and the Islamic World Culture Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization are preparing to launch Damascus as the Capital of Islamic Culture in 2027. The collaboration stresses the importance of safeguarding Syria’s cultural heritage as part of global human history. Plans focus on restoring archaeological sites, training experts, and boosting global cooperation.Read more at: SANA

Former US Ambassador Barbara Leaf offers insights about Syria’s transition. (Alarabiya English video still, 21 August)

Assessing Syria’s emergence after decades of Assad control

21 August 2025. In a video interview, Barbara Leaf, a high-level US diplomat who met with Ahmad al-Sharaa following the fall of Assad, reflects on the historic Syrian transition, calling it a “once in a generation” opportunity for change. Acknowledging the challenges of reconstruction and reconciliation, given the distrust and sectarian conflict fuelled by the Assad regime, she praises the new government’s avoidance of widespread violence.Read more at: ALARABIYA

Druze in Idlib reject secession and support justice and reconciliation. (L24-Social Media)

Majority of Suwayda residents oppose separation and support Syrian unity

20 August 2025. A Civil Initiative Committee for Resolving the Crisis in Suwayda was launched to promote “national discourse, dialogue, and return to our national culture and history.” Its chairman claims the majority of Suwayda’s residents oppose partition and favour remaining part of Syria, as do several Druze sheikhs, in spite of threats. The Suwayda governor calls civil peace “a national and moral necessity,” urging all parties to engage in reform efforts.Read more at: LEVANT24

“Gate of the Sun” exhibition features artworks embodying the spirit of the revolution. (SANA on L24, 20 August)

The story of Syria’s revolution told by artists, poets and writers

20 August 2025. The “Gate of the Sun,” a two-day cultural festival in Damascus held under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, spotlighted art, poetry, and storytelling from Idlib during revolution. It featured 70 paintings by 18 artists created under siege and bombardment, presenting a visual record of the struggle for freedom and honoring martyrs and voices of resistance. Award-winning literature emphasized the power of the pen.Read more at: LEVANT24

President al-Sharaa pledges to protect minorities in Suwayda. (TOI YouTube video still 21 July)

“Syria is tired of war”—in need of dialogue, not bloodshed

17 August 2025. As demonstrations broke out in Suwayda, President al-Sharaa declared: “Syria is tired of war.” Speaking in a dialogue session with notables and officials from Idlib, he rejected division and partition, calling for unity through dialogue and understanding—not force. With Druze protestors demanding self-determination while waving the Israeli flag, he accused Israel of intervening directly in Suwayda’s unrest. The president acknowledged violence from all sides in the July Suwayda clashes and affirmed that all perpetrators would be held to account.Read more at: FRANCE 24

Syria's Health Minister, Dr Musab Nazzal al-Ali. (Alarabiya YouTube video still, 15 August)

Rebuilding Syria’s healthcare system

15 August 2025. In a Global News Today interview on Al Arabiya, Syria’s Health Minister outlines efforts to rebuild the nation’s healthcare system, while acknowledging economic and infrastructure challenges. To date, over 100 healthcare centres have been restored and many hospitals rehabilitated, medical equipment supplied, and education restructured to reintegrate overseas Syrian specialists. Pharmaceutical inspections have enabled Syria to produce safe, regionally compliant medications.Read more at: YouTube

Assad loyalists attacked coastal government forces in March, sparking four days of sectarian violence. (L24)

UN absolves Syrian government in March coastal massacres

15 August 2025. The 66-page report of the UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria, which investigated the violence of March, praised Syria’s dedication to justice, accountability, and transparency, and called the report a milestone in cooperation between Syria and the UN. The report’s conclusions mirrored many findings of Syria’s Independent National Inquiry, and affirms Syria’s path to accountability. Having free access to the affected regions, the UN determined that individuals within interim security forces were culpable for violence, but there was no evidence that the state directed those crimes.Read more at: LEVANT 24

Syria’s Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shaibani. (L24:Social Media)

Syria welcomes UN report and opens new chapter of accountability and international trust

14 August 2025. In a landmark letter, Syrian Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, commended Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro, Chair of the UN Commission of Inquiry, for the report on March coastal events. In his open letter, al-Shaibani welcomed the UN Commission’s findings and affirmed Syria’s commitment to reform, transparency, and justice. The letter marks an historic shift toward international cooperation and accountability, and underscores Syria’s resolve to heal, rebuild, and honor victims of violence.Read more at: LEVANT 24

The Heart of Syrian Cuisine

In Syria, where the culture has traditionally revolved around sharing food, gracious hosting and generosity have always been highly valued. Meals are seen as occasions for familial and communal closeness. The content of the cuisine was historically influenced by Syria’s unique geography. Lying at the crossroads of trade in the ancient world, interactions with neighbouring countries—along with those as distant as China and Rome—continuously fed into what became the national cuisine.

TOP: President Ahmad al-Sharaa greets delegates from Idleb to first in series of national meetings. (SANA) BOTTOM: Participants at Idleb meeting, August 13, 2025. (SANA)

A new chapter of Syrian life begins with dialogue

13 August 25. Honouring his commitment to engage in direct dialogue with the Syrian people and listen to their concerns, President Ahmad al-Sharaa met with community leaders and officials in Idleb. He acknowledged Idleb for its pioneering of institutions that form the new Damascus government, calling it “a fundamental pillar for launching the project of a modern national state in Syria.” A wide range of questions and concerns from participants elicited commitments from the president and information about plans for the country.Read more at: SANA

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al Shaibani, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safado, and US Envoy Thomas Barrack meet in Amman on Suwayda ceasefire. (ENAB BALADI)

Tripartite working group formed to resolve Suwayda crisis

13 August 25. Syria, Jordan, and the US formed a working group to support Syria’s efforts to consolidate the ceasefire in Suwayda and resolve the ongoing crisis. Damascus pledged continuing support for full investigations, cooperation with the UN, increasing humanitarian aid, restoring services, and fostering community reconciliation and civil peace, steps welcomed by the US. The joint statement affirmed Suwayda’s integral role in Syria and the importance of guaranteeing rights, representation, and inclusion of all Syrian peoples.Read more at: ENAB BALADI

Crowds at 4 July Textiles Expo in the lead-up to the opening of 62nd Damascus International Fair. (Ministry of Economy and Industry - Facebook on ENAB BALADI)

Damascus International Fair returns, revitalized after six-year hiatus

13 August 25. The Damascus International Fair will open at Exhibition City on August 27th. Since its founding in 1954, this trade fair has been one of the most important in the Middle East and Arab region. It has been an historic hub for trade and culture, combining commercial activity with tourism and cultural events. Showcasing innovation, it invites international collaboration across diverse industries and sectors.Read more at: SANA

Syria’s Foreign Minister, Asaad Al-Shaibani and Chinese Ambassador, Shi Hongwei. (SANA)

China upholds Syria’s sovereignty

10 August 2025. Syrian Foreign Minister and Chinese Ambassador to Syria met in Damascus to strengthen bilateral relations and discuss regional and global issues. The ambassador affirmed China’s support for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and rejected foreign interference. Both sides stressed the importance of continued coordination to advance mutual interests for the benefit of their peoples.Read more at: SANA

State ministries and civic groups cooperate in initiative to unite the nation. (SANA)

Syria launches “Cleanliness is Culture,” a campaign to help restore the country

9 August 2025. Syria’s Ministry of Culture launched a “Cleanliness is Culture” campaign, along with other government ministries and volunteer groups, to promote cleanliness as a daily civic value and a reflection of national pride. Culture Minister, Mohammad Yassin al-Saleh, stated that Syria has regained its vitality and now needs to preserve its beauty and resources. The campaign aims to promote cleanliness as an ethical behaviour that contributes to building a new Syria and fosters a sense of national belonging.Read more at: SANA

“Let’s Lead Technology,” a conference in Damascus, August 8, 2025. (ENAB BALADI)

Syria and Silicon Valley meet to ignite robust tech revival

8 August 2025. The SYNC25 II conference in Damascus united Syrian-American entrepreneurs, Silicon valley engineers, international tech experts, and global investors to spark innovation, job creation, and digital transformation in Syria. The lead organizer, Muyesser Taqi-Eddin, said the event aims to strengthen connections among Syrians and employ 25,000 people over five years. Government ministers in many spheres and entrepreneurs from different countries emphasized collaboration, infrastructure development, and Syria’s re-entry into the international tech landscape.Read more at: ENAB BALADI

From out of the Rubble, Life and Hope

The White Helmets lived the meaning of sacrifice—leaving their own families to save others under fire. “It’s hard to be away from your family,” one volunteer said, “but life requires sacrifice.” In a global culture that is shaped by the desire for personal comfort and that exhibits indifference to the suffering of others, their courage stands as a quiet challenge.

Signing ceremony for investment agreements at People’s Palace in Damascus, August 6, 2025. (Izz Aldien Alqasem – Anadolu Agency, on MEM, 6 August)

Foreign investments provide massive injection for Syria’s recovery

6 August 2025. The formal lifting of US sanctions paved the way for signing investment agreements valued at $14 billion, spread among 12 strategic areas including infrastructure, transportation, and real estate. The head of the Syrian Investment Authority, Talal al-Hilali, called the agreements a ‘turning-point’ for Syria’s future. They include redeveloping Damascus International Airport to boost tourism, trade, and regional connectivity, reconstructing ports, and constructing a subway in Damascus.Read more at: ALJAZEERA

UK organizes emergency medical teams for Southern Syria with UN help. (Suwayda Governorate - Telegram)

British Government provides urgently needed aid for Suwayda victims

6 August 2025. The UK pledged £1.7 million ($2.2 million) in emergency aid for over 85,000 Syrians displaced by violence in Suwayda. Mobile medical teams will be deployed to affected towns and remote villages, through UK partnerships with humanitarian organizations, including the UN, which will supply medicines, food, and clean water. With the official resumption of UK-Syria diplomatic ties in July, the UK committed large sums to Syria’s recovery.Read more at: ENAB BALADI

New Face of Syria