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Syria’s Minister of Information, Hamza al-Mustafa, and Jon Finer, former US national security advisor, at Institute of Global Politics in New York. (SANA)
Syria’s Minister of Information, Hamza al-Mustafa, and Jon Finer, former US national security advisor, at Institute of Global Politics in New York. (SANA)

Establishing a press rooted in transparency is high priority for Syria

    9 October 2025.  In a round table discussion with students at Columbia University, al-Mustafa spoke of the government’s goal to overcome the past and establish public trust. Finer observed that successful change is not a linear process, but that “everybody is invested in Syria’s success.”Read more at:  SANA

    Head of the Independent Institution for Missing Persons in Syria (IIMP), Karla Quintana. (UN Photo-Manuel Elías)
    Head of the Independent Institution for Missing Persons in Syria (IIMP), Karla Quintana. (UN Photo-Manuel Elías)

    Finding truth about missing persons: “a cornerstone of Syria’s path toward justice and reconciliation”

      8 October 2025.  Karla Quintana, assistant UN Secretary-General and head of the IIMP, stated that nearly every Syrian family has been impacted by the painful legacy of missing persons and that finding the truth requires Syrian leadership and global support.Read more at: NEWS.UN

      Syrian-American Rabbi, Henry Hamra, announced candidacy for parliament cropped. (SANA)
      Syrian-American Rabbi, Henry Hamra, announced candidacy for parliament. (SANA)

      Rabbi Henry Hamra makes historic bid to represent Damascus in nation’s parliament

        3 October 2025.  Syrian-American Rabbi Henry Hamra announced his candidacy for the People’s Council in Damascus, the first Jewish candidate for Syria’s People’s Council since 1967. His platform promotes reconstruction, economic growth, and lifting the US Caesar Act sanctions. He stressed his belief in a united and tolerant Syria, and his aim to bridge Syrian communities at home and abroad. Hamra’s father, Youssef Hamra, the Chief Rabbi of Syrian Jews in NY, left Syria in 1992.Read more at:  SANA

        Representatives of EU countries and global organizations attend Brussels conference on Syrian culture. (SANA)
        Representatives of EU countries and global organizations attend Brussels conference on Syrian culture. (SANA)

        International experts gather to discuss preserving Syria’s cultural heritage

          3 October 2025.  An international conference titled “Protecting Syrian Cultural Heritage in a Changing Political Landscape,” organized by Hungary, was held at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels. The meeting focused on analyzing the impact of current political developments on Syria’s cultural legacy and proposing strategies for preservation and restoration. Participants represented EU countries—Italy, France, Germany, Hungary, Cyprus, and Greece—as well as international organizations.Read more at:  SANA

          The Turkish foundation for Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief (IHH) opens Damascus office. (SANA)
          The Turkish foundation for Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief (IHH) opens Damascus office. (SANA)

          Turkish humanitarian agency expands mission in Syria

            2 October 2025.  With the opening of its Damascus office, Turkey’s IHH Foundation extends its humanitarian reach across Syria, while aiming to improve efficiency and coordination with local communities. Turkey’s Charge d’Affaires described the new office as a step toward greater support of Syria’s reconstruction and recovery from crippling damages. The governors of Damascus and the Damascus region praised Turkey and the IHH for their essential ongoing support and rapid response to Syria’s need.Read more at:  SANA

            UN Development Programme and Syrian Development Organization launch “Access to Justice” initiative across five provinces. SANA)
            UN Development Programme and Syrian Development Organization launch “Access to Justice” initiative across five provinces. (SANA)

            New program aims to give Syria’s citizens access to legal services

              1 October 2025.  The Syrian Development Organization and UNDP signed an agreement to implement the “Access to Justice” project in Aleppo, Homs, Latakia, Idleb, and Damascus countryside. Key components of the program are: rehabilitating Sharia courts, deploying mobile courts, establishing citizen service centers, and offering legal awareness sessions. The initiative supports the Ministry of Justice’s goals to modernize infrastructure, promote digital transformation, and deepen collaboration with international partners.Read more at:  SANA

              President Ahmad al-Sharaa meets with Syrian-Americans during his NY visit. (SANA)
              President Ahmad al-Sharaa meets with Syrian-Americans during his NY visit. (SANA)

              President praises the “bright image of the free Syrian”

                30 September 2025.  Expressing deep gratitude to the Syrian-American community for their warm welcome in New York, President al-Sharaa praised their “deep-rooted belonging to their homeland and firm belief in the duty to revive it.” He lauded their loyalty, values, and pride, stating, “You have proven that wherever Syrians reside, they remain loyal to their roots.” He said that Syria would never forget their “noble stance,” reflecting their authentic character and patriotism.Read more at:  SANA

                Rebuilding the war-damaged Rastan Bridge in Homs Governorate. (L24)
                Rebuilding the war-damaged Rastan Bridge in Homs Governorate. (L24)

                White Helmets rebuild bridge to reconnect country’s north and south 

                  29 September 2025.  The White Helmets (now officially the Syrian Civil Defence) are working in partnership with the United Nations Development Fund to restore the Rastan Bridge in Homs Governorate. Severely damaged by Russian bombing, the bridge will provide a vital trade corridor for the country and critical transportation access for reviving the local economy. The builders, local White Helmets volunteers dedicated to Syria’s recovery, are said to exhibit remarkable resilience and community spirit.Read more at:  LEVANT24

                  Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani gave an interview to CNN’s Fareed Zakaria in NY. (SANA)
                  Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani gave an interview to CNN’s Fareed Zakaria in NY. (SANA)

                  Al-Shaibani stresses uniqueness of Syria’s path of transformation

                    29 September 2025.  In a wide-ranging interview with Fareed Zakaria, American journalist and commentator, Foreign Minister al-Shaibani described Syria’s post-liberation era as one of rebuilding, reconciliation, and efforts to achieve peace—nationally and regionally. He described Syria as a free nation emerging from 60 years of oppression, preparing for parliamentary elections leading to a permanent constitution. “The law approved by the Syrian people is what will govern Syria,” he said.Read more at:  SANA

                    UN Secretary-General António Guterres met Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa at UN headquarters in New York during the 80th General Assembly. (UN)
                    UN Secretary-General António Guterres met Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa at UN headquarters in New York during the 80th General Assembly. (UN)

                    Syria Returns to global stage with UN address and diplomatic breakthroughs

                      28 September 2025.  In a historic speech to the UN General Assembly, the first by a Syrian head of state since 1967, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa declared: “Here is Syria today, returning to its worthy position among the nations of the world.” He acknowledged Arab, Islamic, US, and EU allies for their support in Syria’s rebuilding, and later held meetings with high officials of several nations including Ukraine, with which diplomatic ties were restored.Read more at: LEVANT24

                      Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa makes surprise appearance in Idlib following his return from the UN General Assembly in New York. (SANA)
                      Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa makes surprise appearance in Idlib following his return from the UN General Assembly in New York. (SANA)

                      Al-Sharaa said to fellow Syrians in post-UN talk: “You astonished the world.”

                        27 September 2025.  President Ahmad al-Sharaa chose Idlib, where the movement that brought an end to tyranny was born, for his first speech after returning from his UN engagements. Declaring that Syria had “reclaimed its historical place among nations,” he praised Syrians’ wartime sacrifices for regaining the nation’s dignity and pride. Noting the universal support received for Syria’s territorial integrity, stability and unity, he stated: “Our strength lies in our unity, and unity is mercy while division is torment.”Read more at: LEVANT24

                        Hind Kabawat, Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, speaks at 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth. (SANA)
                        Hind Kabawat, Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, speaks at 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth. (SANA)

                        Syrian youth are “turning struggle into strength” for the country’s future

                          26 September 2025.  Minister Kabawat represented Syria at the UN General Assembly’s high-level meeting on youth, describing her role as a messenger for “the voices and aspirations of Syrian youth” from all provinces and all ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds. Despite their diversity, she noted, they share the same aspirations for “dignity, justice, and the opportunity to build a meaningful future.” Even through hardship, she reflected, “the resilience of our youth led the way forward.”Read more at: SANA

                          Syrian transitional president Ahmad al-Sharaa at the Concordia Summit in New York, an annual global forum for government leaders, business executives, and nonprofit organizations. (Concordia-X)
                          Syrian transitional president Ahmad al-Sharaa at the Concordia Summit in New York, an annual global forum for government leaders, business executives, and nonprofit organizations. (Concordia-X)

                          Al-Sharaa calls for Israeli withdrawal as Syria seeks unity, stability, economic renewal, and peace

                            23 September 2025.  Israel’s aggression toward Syria was underscored in the president’s remarks at the Concordia Summit, an annual global dialogue held alongside the General Assembly. Al-Sharaa stated that security concerns with Israel could best be addressed through negotiations, not violence, while speaking to many other topics including the lifting of sanctions and talks with SDF. In a twist of fate, his interviewer—the general who commanded US forces in Iraq when the US imprisoned al-Sharaa—lavished praise on his leadership.Read more at:  ENAB BALADI

                            Minister Hind Kabawat addresses High-Level UN meeting on women during 80th UN General Assembly (SANA)
                            Minister Hind Kabawat addresses High-Level UN meeting on women during 80th UN General Assembly (SANA)

                            Hind Kabawat issues strong call for women’s dignity and empowerment

                              23 September 2025.  At a major UN conference on women, Minister Hind Kabawat declared that peace and stability are impossible without women’s empowerment and participation. She said she was proud to carry the “voices of Syrian women, along with the voices of women in Gaza, Sudan, and Yemen,” stating what they fear even more than displacement is the absence of schools and health clinics.  Kabawat called funding of the UN’s humanitarian response plan for Syria a test of the international community’s credibility.Read more at:  SANA

                              Syria’s Ministry of Education makes major progress in rebuilding schools. (SANA)
                              Syria’s Ministry of Education makes major progress in rebuilding schools. (SANA)

                              Syria announces sweeping effort to rehabilitate schools and modernize education system

                                23 September 2025.  As over 4 million students return to school, Syria’s Ministry of Education renews hope for families with the swift restoration of schools. The ministry announced the completed rehabilitation of 531 schools, with 676 more under restoration across eleven provinces. Forty per cent of schools suffered damage or total destruction during the civil war. The ministry also announced the expansion of efforts to create safe and modern classrooms.Read more at:  SANA

                                Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani raises Syrian flag in Washington, September 19, 2025. (L24 Social Media)
                                Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani raises Syrian flag in Washington, September 19, 2025. (L24 Social Media)

                                Al-Shaibani raises flag over Washington embassy, declaring “Syria is returning”

                                  20 September 2025.  Expatriates cheered as Syria’s Foreign Minister raised the nation’s banner over its embassy for the first time in 25 years. His Washington visit marked a diplomatic milestone, as he met with US officials and lawmakers to discuss Syrian-American relations, Syrian-Israel relations, and regional security and stability. Both sides expressed a “renewed openness” to dialogue, with Syria calling the visit “historic” and a step toward rebuilding ties based on mutual respect.Read more at: LEVANT24

                                  Syrian transitional president Ahmad al-Sharaa. (Presidency of the Republic-Facebook)
                                  Syrian transitional president Ahmad al-Sharaa. (Presidency of the Republic-Facebook)

                                  President al-Sharaa calls security deal with Israel a necessity

                                    18 September 2025.  Syrian President al-Sharaa announced progress in security talks with Israel, emphasizing the need for an agreement that respects Syria’s airspace and territorial integrity and is executed with UN oversight. He called Israel’s continuing air strikes and ground incursions since December 8th “extremely dangerous,” and noted that while America is serving as mediator in the talks, the unrelenting bombardment contradicts America’s stated policy of a stable and unified Syria.Read more at: ENAB BALADI

                                    “For an Inclusive and Sustainable Future”—Syria’s first national conference on disability. (L24)
                                    “For an Inclusive and Sustainable Future”—Syria’s first national conference on disability. (L24)

                                    Landmark disability conference in Damascus highlights inclusion and empowerment

                                      18 September 2025.  The conference, focusing on the major challenges facing disabled people, was jointly sponsored by two ministries—Social Affairs and Labor and Emergency and Disaster Management—with the involvement of additional ministries and state agencies all working to promote the needs and rights of disabled people and integrate them into society. Minister Hind Kabawat called the issue of disability a developmental and social priority for the new government.Read more at:  LEVANT24