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February 2026

Syrian army engineering unit sweeps the Ruiha archaeological site in southern Idlib for landmines as part of a wider heritage protection effort. (SANA)
Syrian army engineering unit sweeps the Ruiha archaeological site in southern Idlib for landmines as part of a wider heritage protection effort. (SANA)

Clearing landmines at archaeological site connects Syria’s past to its present and future

    25 February 2026.  The Ruiha archaeological site, dating from Byzantine times, is being cleared of landmines to restore safe access, develop tourism, and revive local agriculture. Part of a UNESCO-heritage plan, the site contains remains of luxurious homes, churches, olive presses, and funerary monuments.Read more at:  SANA

    A meeting between the Ministry of Economy and Industry and the International Finance Corporation in Damascus. (SANA)
    A meeting between the Ministry of Economy and Industry and the International Finance Corporation in Damascus. (SANA)

    Syria holds talks with International Finance Corporation to strengthen economic recovery

      24 February 2026.  The Ministry of Economy and Industry met with an IFC delegation, exploring financing mechanisms to support the development of Syria’s employment and productivity sectors. The talks aimed at building a cooperative framework for aiding the country’s economic recovery.Read more at:  SANA

      Nawar Najmeh, spokesperson for the Supreme Committee for People’s Assembly Elections, speaks to media in Raqqa as preparations advance for elections. (SANA)
      Nawar Najmeh, spokesperson for the Supreme Committee for People’s Assembly Elections, speaks to media in Raqqa as preparations advance for elections. (SANA)

      Raqqa province prepares for People’s Assembly elections, in major step toward finalizing Syria’s new parliament 

        23 February 2026.  Election preparations are taking place in the province of Raqqa, formerly under SDF control, with electoral bodies being formed to insure fair and inclusive representation. Following Raqqa, elections will be held in Hasakah province and part of Aleppo, enabling the new parliament to convene.Read more at:  SANA

        Officials tour an energy facility as government begins rehabilitation of major oil and gas fields in the northeast. (L24)
        Officials tour an energy facility as government begins rehabilitation of major oil and gas fields in the northeast. (L24)

        Syria launches sweeping restoration of oil and gas sector after regaining key fields

          23 February 2026.  Syria’s energy sector is undergoing major recovery since the government regained oil and gas fields in the northeast, with technical teams securing and rehabilitating the sites through new international partnerships. After several weeks, 65% of previously inactive wells were reportedly restored.Read more at:  LEVANT24

          Community members gather in al-Hasakah, northeastern Syria, as 51 detainees are released in an area formerly under SDF control. (Enab Baladi)
          Community members gather in al-Hasakah, northeastern Syria, as 51 detainees are released in an area formerly under SDF control. (Enab Baladi)

          Syria is in a phase of “forgiveness and rebuilding,” says local governor upon releasing detainees under Presidential Amnesty

            21 February 2026.  The SDF-affiliated governor, appointed as part of SDF’s integration into the state, termed the release of 51 prisoners “a step toward positive integration into society.” He called upon those released to contribute to “serving their communities and strengthening stability.”Read more at:  ENABBALADI

            Syria’s Minister of Religious Endowments, Mohammad Abu al-Khair Shukri, delivering a sermon at the Umayyad Mosque, on the first Friday of Ramadan, that emphasized compassion as a core Islamic principle. (SANA)
            Syria’s Minister of Religious Endowments, Mohammad Abu al-Khair Shukri, delivering a sermon at the Umayyad Mosque, on the first Friday of Ramadan, that emphasized compassion as a core Islamic principle. (SANA)

            Compassion, lying at the heart of Islam, should be the foundation for rebuilding Syria, states minister

              20 February 2026.  Minister of Religious Endowments, Abu al-Khair Shukri, called for compassion to be practiced in daily relations in every sphere of life. He also launched a monthly program to reinforce shared Islamic values, morals and ethics, and address social challenges.Read more at:  SANA

              The first post-liberation Damascus International Book Fair highlighted Syria’s literary legacy and renewed the nation’s cultural energy. (SANA)
              The first post-liberation Damascus International Book Fair highlighted Syria’s literary legacy and renewed the nation’s cultural energy. (SANA)

              Syria’s cultural resurgence was mirrored in 1.29 million visitors attending the Damascus book fair

                20 February 2026.  “The fair reflects Syrians’ love for books and thirst for knowledge,” said the director. 500,000 books were sold and over 1,000 cultural events were held during the 10-day fair. The attendance reminded some of Syria’s traditional role in the Arab world as the “country of the alphabet.”Read more at:  SANA

                Al Souriya TV launched its first broadcast on the first morning of Ramadan, introducing a family focused channel. (SANA)
                Al Souriya TV launched its first broadcast on the first morning of Ramadan, introducing a family focused channel. (SANA)

                New Syrian TV channel begins broadcasting under theme: “Syria Embraces All”

                  19 February 2026.  Al-Souriya TV describes itself as a family and community oriented channel designed to be a national platform that addresses social and economic issues, with audience participation. Offering a variety of programs, it seeks to become a vehicle for national unity.Read more at:  SANA

                  A Quiet Revolution

                    A quiet revolution is taking place in Syria today. Its source is an approach to national unity and peace rooted in inclusion, mutual dignity, and shared responsibility. This essay highlights a dramatic example of change in an area heavily conflicted for decades, where armed violence broke out last year several months after the new government came to power, and where police officers from groups once considered mortal enemies now serve side by side. Syria’s new leaders are modeling pathways to peace that speak to the challenges of human coexistence in a divided world.

                    President al-Sharaa participates in a conference titled “The Unity of Islamic Discourse,” February 16, 2026. (SANA)
                    President al-Sharaa participates in a conference titled “The Unity of Islamic Discourse,” February 16, 2026. (SANA)

                    Islamic charter aims to strengthen cohesion among diverse groups forming 90% of Syria’s population

                      18 February 2026.  “Guiding society is a shared responsibility,” stated President Al-Sharaa, calling on those who shape public opinion among Muslims to embrace the Charter for the Unity of Islamic Discourse, a plan for strengthening national cohesion, promoting moderation, and fostering harmony.Read more at:  SYRIAN OBSERVER

                      Thaura AI incorporates an ethical dimension, a humane alternative to Big Tech exploitation and data misuse. (SANA)
                      Thaura AI incorporates an ethical dimension, a humane alternative to Big Tech exploitation and data misuse. (SANA)

                      Syrian innovators launch AI revolution challenging industry abuses and uplifting marginalized voices

                        17 February 2026.  Thaura AI, a groundbreaking initiative by two Syrian brothers, champions ethical technology and humane values, advocating for justice, privacy and dignity, rejecting abusive Big Tech practices. Offering features that rival Big Tech, Thaura refuses investments that could influence its mission.Read more at:  SANA

                        Minister of Information, Hamza al-Mustafa, unveils a new media code at event titled “Professional Media, Responsible Word.” (Syrian Observer)
                        Minister of Information, Hamza al-Mustafa, unveils a new media code at event titled “Professional Media, Responsible Word.” (Syrian Observer)

                        More than a thousand journalists contribute to professional and ethical code for Syria’s media

                          16 February 2026.  The Ministry of Information introduced a new media framework promoting responsibility, accuracy, and self-regulation. It aims to protect press freedom, elevate professional standards, and rebuild public trust in the country’s rapidly evolving media sector.Read more at:  SYRIAN OBSERVER

                          Mohammed Anjarani, Minister of Local Administration and Environment on left, and Maher Marwan, Governor of Damascus on right. (SANA, Syrian Observer)
                          Mohammed Anjarani, Minister of Local Administration and Environment on left, and Maher Marwan, Governor of Damascus on right. (SANA, Syrian Observer)

                          State ministry expands powers of local governors in major shift toward decentralization

                            16 February 2026.  In the goal of improving responsiveness to citizens’ needs and accelerating reconstruction, the Ministry of Local Administration and Environment granted broad powers to provincial governors, a move that raised questions about local capacity, oversight and safeguards.Read more at:  SYRIAN OBSERVER

                            Syria’s UN envoy, Ibrahim Olabi, highlights major recent advances at Security Council briefing. (SANA)
                            Syria’s UN envoy, Ibrahim Olabi, highlights major recent advances at Security Council briefing. (SANA)

                            “Syria continues to transform challenges into achievements,” stated Ambassador Olabi

                              14 February 2026.  Thanking UN Security Council members for their continued support of Syria’s drive toward unity, Olabi said northeastern Syria had shifted from a major challenge to a national achievement, with a comprehensive ceasefire agreement with SDF and its full integration into state institutions.Read more at:  SANA

                              Syrian FM Asaad al-Shaibani (center) met with SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi (to his left), Kurdish political leader, Ilham Ahmad (right), and EU and US representatives on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, 13 February 2026. (L24 Social Media)
                              Syrian FM Asaad al-Shaibani (center) met with SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi (to his left), Kurdish political leader, Ilham Ahmad (right), and EU and US representatives on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, 13 February 2026. (L24 Social Media)

                              SDF leader affirms ceasefire will be permanent, while citing remaining problems

                                14 February 2026.  During the Munich Security Conference, Minister al-Shaibani met with US and Kurdish leaders, discussing recent developments involving SDF’s military and administrative integration into the Syrian state. Abdi told reporters that the Munich meeting with Syria, EU and US was “positive.”Read more at:  LEVANT24Watch video at:  YOUTUBE 

                                The al-Tanf military outpost in southern Syria, seen here in 2018, has been taken over by Syrian army units. (Lolita Baldor : AP)
                                The al-Tanf military outpost in southern Syria, seen here in 2018, has been taken over by Syrian army units. (Lolita Baldor : AP)

                                Syria’s armed forces replace US forces at strategic military base in fight against ISIS

                                  12 February 2026.  Syrian forces assumed control of the al-Tanf military base in southeastern Syria, near the border with Iraq and Jordan, as part of a coordinated transition from US to Syrian control. The US will remain on hand to support Syrian forces in combatting threats from ISIS that arise in the area.Read more at:  ALJAZEERA