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Jordan’s FM Ayman Safadi, Syria’s FM Assad al-Shaibani and U.S. envoy Tom Barrack seal pivotal agreement in Damascus, September 16, 2023. (AFP)
Jordan’s FM Ayman Safadi, Syria’s FM Assad al-Shaibani and U.S. envoy Tom Barrack seal pivotal agreement in Damascus, September 16, 2023. (AFP)

Plans for Suwayda’s security announced in trilateral diplomacy

    16 September 2025.  Syria, Jordan, and the United States announced plans to consolidate the July ceasefire in Suwayda and resolve the conflict that claimed over 250 lives. A list of resolutions comprising the joint initiative includes: continuing humanitarian aid and medical support, working to return 160,000 displaced people, holding accountable all who attacked civilians, and launching a reconciliation process. Foreign Minister Al-Shaibani affirmed the state’s responsibility to restore trust among all groups in Suwayda.Read more at: ALJAZEERA

    Academic Summit held at Damascus University, September 15th. (SANA)
    Academic Summit held at Damascus University, September 15th. (SANA)

    Higher education reform a national imperative for rebuilding Syria

      15 September 2025.  Over 300 academics, students, policymakers and researchers came together at “SAFIR 2025”—Syrian Academic Summit for Innovation, Education, Research and Reform—in the goal of creating a roadmap for higher educational reform that will serve the nation’s development. Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Marwan al-Halabi, outlined a comprehensive set of goals including curriculum modernization, university autonomy, and research excellence.Read more at:  SANA

      Workshop on professional code of conduct for journalists in Damascus – September 14, 2025. (Enab Baladi-Omar Alaa Eldin)

      Syrian journalists and media institutions convene around professional and moral code of ethics

        14 September 2025.  Media professionals gathered in Damascus to find ways to balance press freedoms with the need to curb social media hate speech destructive of Syria’s transition. “Freedom of expression must not come at the expense of social cohesion,” stated the Syrian Journalists’ Association. 500 journalists and stakeholders are participating in drafting the code. The Syrian government, which has facilitated the process, pledged that state-run media institutions would comply with the code.Read more at: ENAB BALADI

        President al-Sharaa interviewed by host of Syrian tv news channel, September 13th. (video still, Qusay Noor, SANA)
        President al-Sharaa interviewed by host of Syrian tv news channel, September 13th. (video still, Qusay Noor, SANA)

        Syrian president pledges new era of political freedom

          13 September 2025.  In a televised interview, the Syrian leader pledged to expand media freedoms. He stated, “Criticism is not a threat—it is a chance for us to clarify our policies when misunderstood.” Acknowledging the impact of the rise of social media he added, “The world has moved beyond any notion of confining the media in a narrow mold.” He emphasized that freedom within the law is essential for a healthy society, while urging that criticism be constructive and truthful even when harsh.Read more at: SANA

          Host of Syrian news channel al-Ikhbariya interviews President al-Sharaa. (video still, Qusay Noor, SANA)
          Host of Syrian news channel al-Ikhbariya interviews President al-Sharaa. (video still, Qusay Noor, SANA)

          President affirms territorial sovereignty and independence as Syria rebuilds its economy

            13 September 2025.  In a wide-ranging interview, president al-Sharaa stressed the need for calm relations with all nations as Syria recovers. Emphasizing the primacy of the people’s safety and well-being, he explained that a stable economy involves more than trade and investment. It requires reforming the judicial and educational systems, developing human resources, and providing energy, services, roads, communications, and open relations with neighboring countries, all of which are underway.Read more at:  SANA

            UN General Assembly briefing in January this year. (UN photo)
            UN General Assembly briefing in January this year. (UN photo)

            Syria rejoins community of nations with president’s address to the UN

              12 September 2025.  President al-Sharaa will address the world body in a major step toward Syria’s diplomatic reemergence. He will be joined by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and Syria’s new UN representative, Ibrahim al-Olabi. This event occurs nine months after the insurgency led by him caused the fall of Assad and opened the path toward democracy. He will meet with other world leaders while in New York.Read more at: LEVANT24

              90 tons of medical aid arrive in Damascus from Qatar. (Syrian Foreign Ministry)
              90 tons of medical aid arrive in Damascus from Qatar. (Syrian Foreign Ministry)

              Qatar breathes hope into Syria’s ravaged health sector in act of solidarity

                9 September 2025.  Qatar sent 90 tons of vital aid to Damascus by land and air, including advanced equipment for hospitals devastated by war. Qatar dubbed the initiative “Syria Abshri,” or “Syria, Be Happy”—an expression of Qatar’s responsiveness to Syria’s need. This humanitarian act brings critical support to millions of Syrians across all regions, as the country struggles to rebuild its healthcare system. Over half of all facilities were partially or totally destroyed during years of civil war.Read more at: LEVANT24

                Abdulbasit Abdulatif, head of the National Transitional Justice Commission. (SANA)
                Abdulbasit Abdulatif, head of the National Transitional Justice Commission. (SANA)

                Government reaches out to civil society to help achieve justice and reconciliation

                  9 September 2025.  Syria’s Transitional Justice Commission was given the mandate of “uncovering the truth about the gross violations committed by the former regime, holding those responsible accountable, redressing the harm suffered by the victims, and consolidating the principles of non-repetition and national reconciliation.” Seeking civil society cooperation, the Chairman met with the Syrian Network for Human Rights, which praised the commission’s openness and offered access to a database of abuses kept since 2011.Read more at: LEVANT24

                  Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani hosts Syrian-Russian talks at Tishreen Palace in Damascus. (Syrian Foreign Ministry)
                  Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani hosts Syrian-Russian talks at Tishreen Palace in Damascus. (Syrian Foreign Ministry)

                  Syria holds talks with Russia to reset relations

                    9 September 2025.  Ministers and officials from Russia and Syria met in Damascus to discuss areas of defense, economy, and regional stability. Al-Shaibani described relations between the countries as deep, having gone through stages, but needing balance. Referring to Russian air and naval bases in Syria, he stated that foreign presences in Syria “must serve the Syrian people in building their future.” He welcomed Russia’s cooperation in reconstruction, energy, agriculture, and health on a “fair and transparent” basis.Read more at:  ENABBALADI

                    Based on 14 years of research, Wendy Pearlman stands witness to Syrians’ fight for freedom. (SANA)
                    Based on 14 years of research, Wendy Pearlman stands witness to Syrians’ fight for freedom. (SANA)

                    American scholar of Syria’s revolution honours the people’s courage to resist oppression

                      8 September 2025.  Wendy Pearlman, a Harvard-trained scholar and professor at Chicago’s Northwestern University, spent 14 years studying the Syrian revolution through testimonies of refugees, migrants, and members of the global Syrian community. She published two books documenting the experiences of revolution, exile, and displacement. Visiting Syria to amplify her research following Assad’s removal, she highlights the beauty of the people, their rich culture and hospitality.Read more at: SANA

                      Damascus ceremony launches increased Saudi humanitarian aid. (SANA)
                      Damascus ceremony launches increased Saudi humanitarian aid. (SANA)

                      Saudi Arabia initiates new humanitarian projects to support Syria’s recovery 

                        8 September 2025.  At a ceremony in Damascus on September 7th, Saudi Arabia’s official humanitarian arm, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, unveiled a new wave of initiatives across vital sectors, reinforcing the Kingdom’s continuing commitment to Syria’s recovery and resilience. The projects initiated span the fields of health, food security, environmental sanitation, water, community support, rehabilitation, education, and agriculture.Read more at: LEVANT24

                        President Al-Sharaa launches Syrian Development Fund to help heal and rebuild the nation. (SANA)
                        President Al-Sharaa launches Syrian Development Fund to help heal and rebuild the nation. (SANA)

                        “We stand at the threshold of a new phase in Syria’s new history,” President declares

                          5 September 2025.  Inaugurating the Syrian Development Fund, President Ahmad al-Sharaa declared, “We are writing the new history of Syria with our hands, our money, and our efforts.” Underscoring the fact that the ousted regime “destroyed our economy, plundered our money, destroyed our homes, and displaced our people,” he called on Syrians to give financially. “Syria is testing your love and granting you the honor of contributing to healing its wounds and the honor of being part of the history of its reconstruction,” he said.Read more at: SANA

                          600,000 barrels of crude oil depart from Tartous port. (L24)
                          600,000 barrels of crude oil depart from Tartous port. (L24)

                          Milestone for Syria’s recovering economy marked by first oil export

                            3 September 2025.  Syria re-entered the global oil market with its first export after a 14-year hiatus.  With the shipment of 600,000 barrels of heavy oil from Tartous port, the readiness of the oil transport system was confirmed. Despite remaining obstacles, the move represents a significant boost in revitalizing the oil sector and securing needed capital. With new international partnerships, including an $800 million agreement with DP World, the groundwork is being laid for enhancing export capacities.Read more at:  LEVANT24

                            Health Minister Musab al-Ali announces efforts to restore vital medical infrastructure. (Al-Ikhbariya)
                            Health Minister Musab al-Ali announces efforts to restore vital medical infrastructure. (Al-Ikhbariya)

                            Syria’s healthcare system recovering from devastation of war

                              2 September 2025.  Syria’s Health Minister, Musab al-Ali, reported on progress in rebuilding the nation’s medical infrastructure, with cooperation from state agencies, supportive countries and organizations, and local partnerships. Foundation stones have been laid for major hospitals in many provinces, damaged hospitals have been renovated, new clinics have opened, and new equipment delivered. “We are laying the foundations for a health sector that can meet the needs of all Syrians,” al-Ali said.Read more at: LEVANT 24

                              Humanitarian convoy reaches Suwayda province under UN and Syrian Arab Red Crescent oversight. (SANA)
                              Humanitarian convoy reaches Suwayda province under UN and Syrian Arab Red Crescent oversight. (SANA)

                              Aid convoy arrives safely in Suwayda, amidst growing regional stability

                                2 September 2025.  The third in a series of aid convoys safely reached Suwayda via the newly reopened Damascus–Suwayda road, which had been closed since the conflicts in July. The Interior Ministry announced it had completed steps to secure the route for transport and trade and was finalizing safety as part of its “national responsibility to preserve security and stability across Syria.”  The recent convoy consisted of 22 truckloads of food and 6 fuel tankers.Read more at: ENAB BALADI

                                Day of Remembrance honored by families and officials in Darayya, Damascus countryside. (SANA)
                                Day of Remembrance honored by families and officials in Darayya, Damascus countryside. (SANA)

                                Determination to learn fate of thousands of missing persons and offer reparations

                                  31 August 2025.  Darayya, one of the areas that suffered most from Assad regime violence, was the site of a national event marking the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances. Families and officials came together to honor the missing and affirm the families’ rights to truth and justice. The National Commission for the Missing and other national bodies pledged continued efforts to uncover truth, ensure reparations, and enforce accountability for war crimes.Read more at:  SANA

                                  Campaign launched at ancient amphitheatre in Houran, southwest Syria, to honor its legacy and initiate its rebuilding. (SANA)
                                  Campaign launched at ancient amphitheatre in Houran, southwest Syria, to honor its legacy and initiate its rebuilding. (SANA)

                                  “Rejoice Houran”: An event honoring the “cradle of the revolution” and igniting its revival

                                    30 August 2025.  The “Abshiri Houran” campaign was launched to celebrate Houran, whose people were the first to stand against Assad regime tyranny in March 2011, sparking the revolution that led to the regime’s overthrow. Local leaders and citizens, surrounded by officials of the new Syrian government, pledged to rebuild the region. Performances of poetry and song reflected pride, dignity, and united commitment to the renewal of Houran and all of Syria.Read more at: SANA

                                    The High Committee for People’s Assembly Elections launches official website. (SANA)
                                    The High Committee for People’s Assembly Elections launches official website. (SANA)

                                    Transparency pledged in first post-Assad elections

                                      30 August 2025.  The Supreme Committee for People’s Assembly Elections launched its official website, pledging a “comprehensive plan to ensure transparency” ahead of Syria’s first parliamentary vote since Assad’s fall. Both Syrian and international organizations will monitor the vote, as well as lawyers for each district, which Committee spokesperson Nawar Najma called “an unprecedented step aimed at enhancing integrity.” Observers say the vote will test Syria’s commitment to reform and public trust in elections.Read more at:  LEVANT24

                                      President Ahmad al-Sharaa lays foundation stone for major development projects in Homs. (Office of Presidency)
                                      President Ahmad al-Sharaa lays foundation stone for major development projects in Homs. (Office of Presidency)

                                      President visits northern cities devastated by war, declaring end of time of war and start of reconstruction

                                        30 August 2025.  During a tour through Homs, Hama and Idlib, President al-Sharaa advanced major development projects and met with local communities, affirming a new phase of reconstruction and investment. In Homs, he laid the foundation stone for Dar-al-Salam [House of Peace], a billion-dollar urban project that includes housing for low-income families and families of martyrs. In Hama, he praised the city’s role in the revolution and linked it to rebuilding efforts. In Idlib, he toured heavily damaged towns and reaffirmed the province as a “key pillar for moving toward the project of the modern national state.”Read more at: LEVANT24

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