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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

                              Foreign Minister al-Sheibani speaking to leaders of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, 9 February 2026, in Riyadh. (L24:X)
                              Foreign Minister al-Sheibani speaking to leaders of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, 9 February 2026, in Riyadh. (L24:X)

                              Syria assumes leadership position in global war on terror

                                10 February 2026.  After rejoining the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS last year, Syria is now taking a leadership role. Minister al-Sheibani affirmed the widespread view that Syria’s stability is vital to the entire Middle East, and thanked coalition members for helping eradicate ISIS from Syrian territory.Read more at:  SYRIAN OBSERVER

                                Left: Rubble surrounds Aleppo Citadel, a landmark in a major city scarred by war. (Mahmoud Hassano:Reuters) Right: Businesses in Aleppo rebuild from scrap. (Al Jazeera)
                                Left: Rubble surrounds Aleppo Citadel, a landmark in a major city scarred by war. (Mahmoud Hassano:Reuters) Right: Businesses in Aleppo rebuild from scrap. (Al Jazeera)

                                “I was happy… truly happy to be in Aleppo, not as a guest, but as someone who is home.”

                                  10 February 2026.  After living in exile for a decade, Alhakam Shaar returned briefly to Aleppo filled with joy, working in sub-zero temperatures to restore his family’s home. Thousands returning to rebuild homes and businesses face severe infrastructure damages, which the government has begun to repair.Read more at: AL JAZEERA

                                  Energy Minister announces Syria’s partnership with Saudi firms to launch a large scale seawater desalination and transport project. (L24)
                                  Energy Minister announces Syria’s partnership with Saudi firms to launch a large scale seawater desalination and transport project. (L24)

                                  Syria adopts desalination to combat drought and secure steady source of water

                                    9 February 2026.  Syria signed an agreement with a consortium of Saudi companies to desalinate seawater and transport it to southern regions hit by severe drought, guaranteeing a steady water supply for drinking and agriculture. Energy Minister Muhammad al-Bashir called it “the largest water agreement in the world.”Read more at:  LEVANT24