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August 2026

Head of Syria's SARH Holding Company signs an agreement with InterHealth Canada to rehabilitate and modernize 14 public hospitals across the country. (SANA)
Head of Syria's SARH Holding Company signs an agreement with InterHealth Canada to rehabilitate and modernize 14 public hospitals across the country. (SANA)

Syria signs contract with Canadian firm to rehabilitate 14 national hospitals

    5 August 2026.  The project aims to strengthen Syria’s healthcare infrastructure and raise medical services to international standards, as part of the Health Ministry’s strategy to modernize infrastructure, upgrade equipment and improve patient care nationwide.Read more at: LEVANT 24

    (L) Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Moscow with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, October 15, 2025 (TASS), (R) new Russian Ambassador to Syria, Dmitry Dogadkin (RUWIKI)
    (L) Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Moscow with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, October 15, 2025 (TASS), (R) new Russian Ambassador to Syria, Dmitry Dogadkin (RUWIKI)

    Russia sends new ambassador to Syria signaling shift in diplomatic relations

      5 August 2026.  Dr. Amer Fakhoury, expert in international law and relations, sees Russia’s new ambassador to Syria as a needed shift in strategy, given Syria’s expanding network of regional and international relations. In place of military force, Russia will have to rely on diplomacy, negotiations and economic engagement.Read more at: ENAB BALADI

      Finance Minister Mohammed Yisr Barnieh meets with an International Monetary Fund delegation to discuss economic recovery indicators and fiscal reforms, July 26, 2026. (Ministry of Finance)
      Finance Minister Mohammed Yisr Barnieh meets with an International Monetary Fund delegation to discuss economic recovery indicators and fiscal reforms, July 26, 2026. (Ministry of Finance)

      Syria’s economic recovery is gaining momentum, IMF affirms

        5 August 2026.  Following a 4-day mission to Syria, the IMF reported on significant improvements in the economy, forecasting robust growth into 2027. The agency will maintain financial management and monetary policy assistance, while calling for urgent international aid for the most vulnerable populations.Read more at: SYRIAN OBSERVER

        Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem in a televised address during Arbaeen, a Shiite holy day, in Baalbek, Lebanon. (Al Manar TV)
        Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem in a televised address during Arbaeen, a Shiite holy day, in Baalbek, Lebanon. (Al Manar TV)

        Hezbollah leader responds to Syria’s offer of dialogue

          5 August 2026.  Following diplomatic overtures and statements by President al-Sharaa stressing his belief in diplomacy, and that the region must move beyond decades of war, the Hezbollah leader expressed openness to a meeting, calling for strengthening “positive, brotherly relations” between Damascus and Beirut.Read more at: SYRIAN OBSERVER

          Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Hind Kabawat, other ministers and officials at opening of the Hakaya [life, self-respect] store in Damascus International Airport. (SANA)
          Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Hind Kabawat, other ministers and officials at opening of the Hakaya [life, self-respect] store in Damascus International Airport. (SANA)

          Damascus airport store features products by women and disabled people in move toward economic empowerment

            4 August 2026.  The Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor launches the first of many planned stores to promote economic independence for women entrepreneurs and people with disabilities. The program aims to create employment opportunities, market access, and economic inclusion to develop self-respect.Read more at: SANA

            President al-Sharaa speaks to al Jazeera's The Interview program, August 2, 2026. (SANA)
            President al-Sharaa speaks to al Jazeera's The Interview program, August 2, 2026. (SANA)

            Removal of former regime necessary for the whole region, says President al-Sharaa

              2 August 2026.  In the Al-Jazeera interview, the President spoke of fundamental governing principles: serving the people, defending them, and standing against injustice. Of Syria’s 7,000 years of history and diversity he said, “I believe humanity began here… we stand before the cradle of human civilization.”Read more at: SANAWatch video at: AL JAZEERA

              Syria unveils new digital platform to facilitate travel for visitors and businesses. (Ministry of Tourism, Syria)
              Syria unveils new digital platform to facilitate travel for visitors and businesses. (Ministry of Tourism, Syria)

              Tourism sector undergoes digital transformation with “My Syria”

                1 August 2026.  Syria’s Tourism Ministry launched “My Syria,” a free digital service designed to help visitors meet most travel needs through a single application. Developed through a public-private partnership, the service will facilitate travel for increasing visitors while producing many new jobs.Read more at: LEVANT 24

                The Panorama checkpoint at the southern entrance to al-Hasakah in northeast, July 15, 2026. (al-Hasakah Media Directorate)
                The Panorama checkpoint at the southern entrance to al-Hasakah in northeast, July 15, 2026. (al-Hasakah Media Directorate)

                Integration of Kurdish-led SDF forces into Syrian state enters final stages

                  1 August 2026.  Mustafa Abdi, a presidential assistant overseeing the implementing of the Jan 29th ceasefire and integration agreement between the SDF forces and the Syrian government, says SDF’s integration into Syrian institutions is nearly complete, in military and security areas in particular.Read more at: ENAB BALADI

                  Construction site in Marota City, a mixed-use development rising in Damascus, near the Mazzah neighbourhood referred to below. (AFP)
                  Construction site in Marota City, a mixed-use development rising in Damascus, near the Mazzah neighbourhood referred to below. (AFP)

                  “We saw a country that needs everything,” said refugee whose family returned to help rebuild Syria

                    30 July 2026.  A refugee family living in Canada for 15 years felt a call to return after the Assad regime fell. Inspired to help the recovery in some way, they opened a climbing gym in a Damascus neighbourhood to help youth build self-esteem and a sense of community, while providing a space to welcome other returnees.Read more at: AL JAZEERA

                    A rebuilding project of the Syria Recovery Trust Fund, supported by international community. (Syria Recovery Trust Fund)
                    A rebuilding project of the Syria Recovery Trust Fund, supported by international community. (Syria Recovery Trust Fund)

                    New projects funded by international donors boost Syria’s path toward recovery

                      29 July 2026.  The Syria Recovery Trust Fund approved two new projects: one will rebuild 250 homes and provide infrastructure for displaced families returning to their Idlib neighborhood, part of the “Syria Without Camps” initiative; the other will provide agricultural support to farmers in the Raqqa and Deir Ezzor provinces.Read more at: ENAB BALADI

                      Syrian president Ahmad al-Sharaa (L) with Turkish president Recep Erdogan. (Reuters)
                      Syrian president Ahmad al-Sharaa (L) with Turkish president Recep Erdogan. (Reuters)

                      Shifting Middle East geopolitics heightens strategic importance of Syria and Turkey 

                        27 July 2026.  The confrontation between the US-Israel and Iran has created a shift in Middle East power dynamics, with Turkey and Syria gaining prominence for the region’s security. Syria’s overland routes between oil-producing nations and the Mediterranean have also increased its strategic importance.Read more at: SYRIAN OBSERVER

                        Arab and regional interior ministers meet Syrian officials in Damascus to discuss security cooperation. (Regional Interior Ministries : Damascus)
                        Arab and regional interior ministers meet Syrian officials in Damascus to discuss security cooperation. (Regional Interior Ministries : Damascus)

                        Syria’s stability increasingly seen as essential to security of regional Arab states

                          27 July 2026.  Following the US decision to remove Syria from its state sponsors of terror list, based on Syria’s reforms, visits by Arab interior ministers to Damascus have furthered the country’s reintegration into regional security frameworks and enhanced prospects for regional commerce.Read more at: SYRIAN OBSERVER

                          President al-Sharaa's interview with Al Jazeera revealed details of a potential security deal with Israel. (Screengrab:Al Jazeera)
                          President al-Sharaa's interview with Al Jazeera revealed details of a potential security deal with Israel. (Screengrab:Al Jazeera)

                          Damascus seeks security agreement with Israel that would improve regional security

                            26 July 2026.  In a wide-ranging interview with Al Jazeera, President al-Sharaa stated that Syria, along with several partner countries, is pursuing a security agreement with Israel. Seen as a step toward fuller resolution of the conflict, the agreement would not compromise Syria’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights.Read more at: AL JAZEERAWatch video at: AL JAZEERAWatch complete interview (52 mins) at: AL JAZEERA