A New Administration Arrives in Damascus
8 December 2024. The revolutionary forces peacefully take Damascus
The combined revolutionary forces led by Ahmad al-Sharaa capture Damascus, marking the end of the Assad family’s regime, which had governed Syria as a hereditary dictatorship since 1971. The victory is announced through TV stations and organised resistance to the takeover ceases.
Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali, the outgoing prime minister and last head of government of the Assad regime, agrees to lead the transitional government in a caretaking capacity until the full political transition is completed.
10 December 2024. Caretaker government established
The Syrian caretaker government is installed with Mohammed al-Bashir appointed as prime minister, replacing Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali.
24 December 2024. Rebel groups agree to integrate under new defence ministry
De facto Syrian leader Ahmad al-Sharaa says most factions agree to disband and re-integrate under the new Syrian Defence Ministry, following a meeting with the heads of the groups.
Read more at: ALJAZEERA
29 January 2025. Syria’s Ahmed al-Sharaa named president for transitional period
Syria’s de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa named president for a transitional phase. He is also authorised to form a temporary legislative council for the transitional phase which will carry out its task until a new constitution is adopted.
Read more at: ALJAZEERA
Introducing a New Syria
30 December 2024. Appointment of first woman governor of Syria’s central bank
Maysaa Sabrine is appointed to lead Syria’s central bank, becoming the first female governor of the central bank in its more than 70-year history.
Read more at: ALJAZEERA
1 January 2025. Assessing the challenges
Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani discusses Syria’s path to democracy, rebuilding trust, lifting sanctions, and avoiding new conflicts.
Read more at: ALJAZEERA
12 January 2025. Revealing interview with new president offers first look at liberated Syria
Interview with Ahmad al-Sharaa reveals his moral philosophy and wisdom. “The previous regime turned people into their enemy,” he said. “We strive to be living together with love.”
Watch video at: YOUTUBE [19 min]
1 February 2025. “Syria’s government pledges greater women’s inclusion in social and political spheres”
Aisha Al Dibs, Head of Syria’s Women’s Affairs Office: “Syria is home to many religions, and many women do not want to wear the hijab. I think we should rise above discussing this issue and focus on more important matters.”
Watch video at: YOUTUBE
11 February 2025. Syria’s new leader speaks candidly with British journalists
“I never imagined I’d sit down to talk with you this way”, Rory Stewart says to Ahmad al-Sharaa, for The Rest is Politics.
Watch video at: YOUTUBE [48 min]
13 February 2025. “The dictatorship will not be repeated”
“The Syrian people freed themselves by themselves. We are now putting into place the steps and principles for a system that represents the people to be Syrian-led and Syria-owned”, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani tells Munich Security Conference.
Read more at: VOA NEWS
15 February 2025. Prospects for Syria’s Transition
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani speaks in panel discussion “New Dawn for Damascus: Prospects for Syria’s Transition”, moderated by the BBC’s Lyse Doucet at the Munich Security Conference.
Watch video at: YOUTUBE [3 hours 39 mins]
First Response from Other Nations
3 January 2025. French and German foreign ministers arrive in Damascus to meet Syria’s new leaders
In the first high-level EU visit since Assad’s fall, the French and German foreign ministers travel to Damascus to meet the new leaders.
“It’s time for Syrians to reclaim their own country, with a political transition that allows all of Syria’s diverse communities to be represented, and that allows for all Syrians to be granted Syrian citizenship without religious or gender discrimination”, says France’s Jean-Noël Barrot.
Read more at: CNN
10 January 2025. “Joy, hope and euphoria” observed by UN special envoy
From the UN Special Envoy to Syria: “I never thought I would be able to witness something like this in my lifetime. It is extraordinary to see this level of joy, hope, and euphoria.”
Read more at: UNITED NATIONS
11 January 2025. Lebanon’s PM goes to Damascus for historic meeting
In the first trip by a Lebanese prime minister to Syria in 15 years, Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati speaks with Syria’s de facto leader Ahmad al-Sharaa about working together to delineate and secure their land and sea borders.
Read more at: ALJAZEERA
11 January 2025. Renewed sense of optimism noted by UN Commission
During its first-ever visit to the country, the UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria noted a renewed sense of optimism and a willingness of the new authorities to continue engaging with the Commission on issues of justice for families.
Read more at: UNITED NATIONS
12 January 2025. 17 countries discuss aid to Damascus
Ministers from 17 Middle Eastern and Western countries met in Riyadh to discuss how to speed aid to the new Syrian government.
Read more at: THE GUARDIAN
18 January 2025. Arab League official states “sanctions are no longer justified”
After meeting with the new president and foreign minister in Damascus, Arab League Assistant Secretary-General, Hossam Zaki, says the League is working with Syria to lift sanctions.
Read more at: THE NEW ARAB
3 February 2025. Syria’s interim president meets with Saudis
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expresses ‘genuine desire’ to support Syria in building its future.
Watch video at: YOUTUBE
15 February 2025. G7 reaffirms support for Syria
The G7 Foreign Ministers, representing Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US, have reaffirmed their commitment to the territorial integrity of Syria and Lebanon during a meeting in Germany.
Read more at: TRT WORLD
15 February 2025. 20 World Leaders meeting in Paris discuss Syria’s Future
Meeting in Paris, twenty Western and Arab powers vow to step up support for Syria during its fragile transition following the fall of the Assad regime.
Watch video at: YOUTUBE
15 February 2025. President Erdogan affirms ‘full trust’ in new Syria
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his country’s full confidence in the new Syrian administration, stressing working closely with it.
Read more at: SANA
Establishing Peace, Justice, and Human Rights
13 January 2025. Syria’s new leaders invite former officials to surrender
Former headquarters of Assad’s intelligence service now being used as ‘settlement centre’ for the voluntary surrender and reconciliation with the new administration of those who worked there.
Read more at: THE GUARDIAN
15 January 2025. UN rights chief assured by historic meeting with Syria’s new government
UN human rights chief Volker Türk, leaves historic meeting assured by the importance the new leaders give to “respect for human rights for all Syrians and all different components of Syrian society”. Syria’s de facto leader Ahmad Al-Sharaa emphasizes ‘the pursuit of healing, trust building and social cohesion, and the reform of institutions’.
Read more at: UNITED NATIONS
17 January 2025. ICC head meets new government to ensure accountability
The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) has made an unannounced visit to Syria to meet with Ahmad al-Sharaa, the leader of Syria’s new de facto government, to discuss how to ensure accountability for alleged crimes committed in the country.
Read more at: ALJAZEERA
2 December 2025. Syrian judges undergo training in Germany toward building public trust in the rule of law
Having suffered for decades under a corrupt legal system, Syria’s Ministry of Justice is actively seeking to recreate the system and restore trust. The program in Germany aims to strengthen judicial capacities, focusing on transitional justice, housing, land and property rights.
Read more at: ENABBALADI
3 December 2025. Hope emerges amid ongoing human rights challenges
For the first time in the country’s history, Syrians are preparing to publicly mark Human Rights Day next week — a step that UN human rights officials say signals a “new chapter” in their engagement with the authorities, and a cautiously optimistic moment for millions seeking change. “There is a political will from the government to improve,” he said, emphasising daily engagement between OHCHR and the authorities. The government has been receiving technical assistance from UN officials aimed at reforming legislation, strengthening human rights in law enforcement institutions, and improving public administration. These steps, he said, show a commitment to a rights-based future. [quote from Mohammad Al Nsour, Chief of the Middle East and North Africa Section at OHCHR]
Read more at: UN NEWS
5 April 2025. Syria welcomes UN resolution to investigate human-rights violations
Syria welcomed a United Nations resolution to investigate violations and improve the country’s human-rights record following the 13-year civil war waged by former President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. It indicates a shift in support by the 47country members of the Human Rights Council toward Syria’s new government and its efforts to improve its rights record.
“Such international support serves as a strong incentive to continue the path of reform,” Syria’s ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva, Haydar Ali Ahmad, told the council.
Read more at: REUTERS
From Military to Political Governance
23 January 2025. Peaceful disarmament of groups that were enemies
France 24’s James André follows along with the first joint operation between previously opposed factions, saying “it’s two of the main factions of the country working together and that sets the foundation of the new Syrian army”.
Watch video at: YOUTUBE
29 January 2025. Syria shifts power from military to political process
“We’ve seen [similar political transitions] in Africa and Latin America. What’s important today is that the political process has started. We’ve transferred the power from military groups into a political process”, says Radwan Ziadeh, senior analyst at the Arab Center Washington DC.
Read more at: ALJAZEERA
29 January 2025. Ahmad al-Sharaa appointed transitional President
Ahmad al-Sharaa is appointed President of Syria by the Syrian General Command for the transitional period, during the Syrian Revolution Victory Conference in Damascus, after serving as the de facto leader following the fall of the Assad regime. As president, al-Sharaa announces plans to issue a ‘constitutional declaration’ as a legal reference following the repeal of the 2012 constitution of Ba’athist Syria.
30 January 2025. Syria’s Baath party dissolved
Syria’s former governing party, the Baath, is dissolved. All armed factions were also officially dissolved, with the plan being to integrate former opposition forces into a new governmental structure. This included Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the group led by Syria’s de facto ruler, Ahmed al-Sharaa, who took on a role as the country’s president.
Read more at: ALJAZEERA
25 February 2025. Syria’s interim leader launches national dialogue on political transition
Ahmed al-Sharaa urged his countrymen to unite and pledged to establish a transitional justice body, as he welcomed participants of a national dialogue aimed at guiding the country’s political transition following years of civil war and the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad.
Read more at: ALJAZEERA
Religious Inclusiveness/ Inclusion
31 December 2024. Ahmad al-Sharaa meets senior Syrian Christian leaders
14 January 2025. Jews who remain in Syria are deeply loyal to the country
During the Assad years, the vast majority of Jews emigrated to the US, Europe and Israel. The few who remain speak of having felt integrated into Syrian culture their whole lives. “We are all one,” said a man.
Watch video at: YOUTUBE [3 Mins]
3 January 2025. Franciscan monks radiate joy in their newfound freedom
A delegation of friars of the Custody of the Holy Land in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Jordan and Lebanon visited their brothers in Syria, who had suffered persecution for the past 14 years. Their inspiring meeting with Ahmad al-Sharaa evoked confidence in a peaceful future.
Watch video at: YOUTUBE [6 mins 18 secs]
4 February 2025. Interim leader performs Umrah in Mecca | AFP
Syria’s interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa performs Umrah barefoot in Mecca.
Watch video at: YOUTUBE
19 February 2025. Syrian Jews hold first group prayer in decades in Damascus synagogue
Syria’s tiny Jewish community said they held their first group prayer in decades Wednesday, in a synagogue in Damascus’s Old City, expressing joy at the long-awaited return to public worship.
Syria’s new authorities have repeatedly sought to reassure minorities that they will be protected, and have pledged to involve all Syrians in building the country’s future.
Read more at: ALARABIYA
24 April 2025. Syrian President hails Pope Francis for solidarity in ‘darkest moments’
Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa paid tribute to Pope Francis. saying he had “supported the Syrian people in their darkest moments, constantly raising his voice against the violence and injustice they faced.”
Read more at: ALARABIYA
Reunifying Syria
24 February 2025. Syria’s interim president calls for unity in rebuilding
At the National Dialogue Conference in Damascus, Ahmad Al-Sharaa calls for unity and lays groundwork for a new constitution. “Today, Syria is back to its rightful owners,” he said, referring to the people.
Watch video at: YOUTUBE
26 February 2025. AAS launches national dialogue
Syria’s interim leader reiterates his pledge to create a democratic political transition as talks on the country’s future begin.
Watch video at: YOUTUBE
26 February 2025. “Unity is not a luxury but a serious obligation” say new leaders
The new leaders in Damascus convened a one-day national dialogue conference to begin to chart a future based on unity.
Watch video at: YOUTUBE
26 February 2025. Interim president hails historic opportunity to rebuild with input from the people
President Ahmad al-Sharaa asks the conference 600 delegates to submit recommendations for facets of government, civil society, and the new constitution.
Read more at: BBC
11 March 2025. Syria’s new government reaches historic deal for unity with Syrian Kurds
Syria’s interim President signed an agreement to integrate Kurdish-led SDF into state institutions, emphasising Syria’s unity and bringing that territory under the full control of the Syrian central government.
Watch video at: YOUTUBE
Nation-Building
2 March 2025. Syria forms committee to draft transitional constitution
Syria’s new authorities have announced the formation of a seven-member committee to draft a constitutional charter for governing its transition to democracy.
Read more at: FRANCE 24
13 March 2025. Ahmad al-Sharaa signs interim constitution for five years
Interim President, Ahmad al-Sharaa, signs an interim constitution for a transitional period of five years, enshrining Islamic law as a main derivation of jurisprudence and promising to protect the rights of all Syria’s ethnic and religious groups. “We hope this will be a new day for Syria to replace ignorance with knowledge and suffering with mercy”, the President said.
Read more at: SANA
29 March 2025. Transitional government announced
The Syrian transitional government is announced by Ahmad al-Sharaa at a ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Damascus in which the new ministers were sworn in and delivered speeches outlining their agendas. The new government replaces the Syrian caretaker government formed following the fall of the Assad regime.
“We are witnessing the birth of a new phase in our national process”, al-Sharaa said. The new government will comprise 23 ministers of diverse backgrounds, including Druze, Kurds, Alawites, and a Christian woman. There was immediate support from Germany, the UK, Türkiye and a number of Arab nations.
1 April 2025. New transitional government in Syria includes a Catholic woman
Syrian interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa appoints a new transitional government with 23 ministers from diverse backgrounds, including Hind Kabawat, a Catholic and the only woman in the cabinet.
Read more at: VATICAN NEWS
3 July 2025. Golden Eagle to symbolise the new Syria
Syria has unveiled its new national visual identity at the People’s Palace, introducing the Golden Eagle emblem, signifying sovereignty rooted in historical and revolutionary symbolism. President Ahmad al-Sharaa declared, “The identity we launch today represents an indivisible, united Syria,” describing his vision of the new government as “emerging from the people and serving them.” The emblem reflects unity, empowerment, and a redefined state-citizen relationship.
Read more at: ENAB BALADI
6 July 2025. Visual symbol for the New Syria born of the people’s vision
Minister of Information Dr. Hamzah al-Mustafa, affirmed that Syria’s new visual identity was crafted through broad social engagement involving all its citizens, representing the beginning of a new Syria. The Minister said: “With the launch of the state’s new visual identity, we have announced the beginning of a new Syria and severed all ties with an era of fear, looking forward to building a state by the people and for the people.” He added, “This visual identity was not designed behind closed doors, imposed by authorities on the public. Rather, it was created through a participatory process that included Syrians from all backgrounds, both inside and outside the country.”
Read more at: SANA
5 October 2025. Parliamentary Elections: Critical milestone in the nation’s life
President Ahmad al-Sharaa hailed the People’s Assembly elections as an important milestone in the rebirth of Syria, as it cemented the nation’s participation. He stated that rebuilding is a collective responsibility and called on all Syrians to contribute to constructing their new country. He noted how remarkable it was that Syria was able to initiate an electoral process in seven months, observing that the process was suited to the current circumstances and aligned with the transitional phase the country is undergoing.
Read more at: SANA
6 October 2025. Preliminary results of parliamentary elections announced, along with appeals process
The Higher Committee for People’s Assembly Electionsannounces the preliminary results and opens the appeals process. The committee clarified that any interested party may appeal the preliminary results for their electoral district before the appeals committee of the relevant governorate.
Read more at: SANA
Financial Aid & Sanctions Removal
22 January 2025. Economic sanctions must be lifted for stability
Syria’s foreign minister calls for economic sanctions to be lifted to give the country stability.
Read more at: ALJAZEERA
17 March 2025. Germany pledges solidarity with Syria and 300m euros in financial aid
“As Europeans, we stand together for the people of Syria, for a free and peaceful Syria,” the German Foreign Minister said at EU conference.
Read more at: SANA
17 March 2025. EU supports Syria to build prosperous future
The European Union (EU) has affirmed its support for Syria and its contribution to reconstruction efforts, and economic recovery noting that it will continue to help Syrian people build a free and prosperous future.
Read more at: SANA
27 March 2025. Italy allocates €68 Million aid to Syria
Italy has allocated EUR 68 million to support humanitarian efforts and infrastructure reconstruction in Syria. This initial package will support hospitals, infrastructure and food supply chains. New cooperation projects and a business forum on reconstruction are planned.
Read more at: SANA
14 April 2025. Saudi Arabia to pay off Syria’s debt to World Bank
The move could unlock international financing for the reconstruction of the war-torn country, Reuters noted.
Read more at: REUTERS
19 April 2025. UN plans $1.3 billion help for Syria
The UN Development Programme is hoping to deliver $1.3 billion over three years to support war-ravaged Syria, rebuilding infrastructure and backing digital start-ups, its assistant secretary-general told Reuters.
Read more at: REUTERS
24 April 2025. UK lifts sanctions on 12 Syrian entities
The United Kingdom has announced the lifting of sanctions on 12 Syrian entities, including the Ministries of Defence and Interior, as well as several Syrian media outlets.
Read more at: SANA
25 April 2025. IMF, World Bank keen to re-integrate Syria
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank have welcomed efforts to help Syria reintegrate into the international community, emphasising that the international community today is actively engaged in exploring how Syria can recover after a long war.
Read more at: SANA
26 April 2025. Britain, France, Türkiye lift sanctions
Britain, France and Türkiye stress the need to respect Syria’s sovereignty and lift Western sanctions, welcoming the steps taken so far within the framework of the political process in the country.
Read more at: SANA
7 June 2025. European Commissioner announces “a new chapter” in EU-Syria relations and a €175 million EU recovery package
“I came here with a clear message that we are here to assist and help Syria on its recovery,” said European Commissioner Dubravka Suica. She announced a €175 million EU recovery package for Syria, aimed at rebuilding key sectors like energy, education, health, and agriculture. Speaking in Damascus, she emphasized that reconstruction must be Syria-led and support economic stability, institutions, and human rights. She called the initiative a “new chapter” in EU–Syria relations.
Read more at: ALARABIYA
21 June 2025. Switzerland to lift sanctions on Syria
Syria’s Central Bank Governor, Abdul Qader al-Hasriya, has welcomed Switzerland’s decision to lift sanctions on Syria, calling it a key step in rebuilding bilateral financial and trade ties. Noting Syria’s historic cooperation with Swiss banks, he expressed hope for constructive collaboration that would bolster Syria’s national economy and advance shared interests.
Read more at: SANA
30 June 2025. US sanctions lifted
The US President orders the cessation of sanctions against Syria to give Syrians a chance at greatness.
Read more at: US DEPARTMENT OF STATE
26 August 2025. US formally ends most sanctions on Syria
The US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced the removal of Syrian sanctions regulations from the Federal Code. The decision ends a state of emergency in place since 2004 and repeals sanctions that spanned more than two decades.
Read more at: LEVANT 24
8 December 2025. The Caesar Act is finally repealed, opening new vistas for investments in Syria
Describing the decision as a ‘true day of victory” after a long and arduous campaign in the US Congress, Mohammed Alaa Ghanem of the Syrian American Council confirmed: “The clause repealing the Caesar Act is complete… no amendments can be made. This long and fierce battle has been decisively settled.”
Read more at: SANA
Rejoining the United Nations
26 April 2025. Minister al-Shaibani meets UN Peacekeeping chief
Minister al-Shaibani met with the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations at the UN in New York.
Read more at: SANA
26 April 2025. Syria raises new 3-star flag at UN
In a historic moment, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani raises the new flag of the Syrian Arab Republic at the United Nations HQ. “This flag is not a mere symbol, but rather a proclamation of a new existence,” he said in his first United Nations speech.
Read more at: FRANCE 24
4 June 2025. Syrian President to address the UN in September
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa is set to visit the US in September, delivering a speech at the UN General Assembly – the first by a Syrian leader in six decades. He will also hold discussions with US officials. A State Department spokesman said the US intends to “begin a new era” in its relations with Syria.
Read more at: THE SYRIAN OBSERVER
20 August 2025. Syria appoints former human rights lawyer Ibrahim Olabi as UN envoy
Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa has appointed Ibrahim Olabi, a human rights lawyer formerly based in the UK, as ambassador to the United Nations. The presidential decree designates Olabi as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.
Read more at: THE NEW ARAB
24 September 2025. Syria’s new president addresses the UN
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa addressed the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, becoming the first Syrian head of state to do so since 1967. “Our story is a lesson from history and a true representation of noble human values”, he said.
Read more at: LEVANT 24
4 December 2025. UN Security Council delegation makes first-ever visit to Syria
A United Nations Security Council delegation met with President Ahmad al-Sharaa, in the first-ever visit to the country just days before the anniversary of the ousting of longtime ruler, Bashar al-Assad.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’s spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, said “We very much hope that the visit will increase the dialogue between the United Nations and Syria.”
Read more at: ALARABIYA
Reconstruction of Lives and Institutions
1 April 2025. “Rebuilding Syria”
A sensitive video from Al Jazeera about a volunteer initiative whose slogan is “With love, we will rebuild.” Gives a sense of the soul of the people as they deal with unimaginable challenges to restore their beloved country.
Watch video at: ALJAZEERA
28 May 2025. President Al-Sharaa tells jubilant crowd that reconstruction has begun
At an event honouring Aleppo’s fallen fighters in the December drive for liberation, al-Sharaa addressed an exuberant crowd. “Let us all unite and seek the help of God to create a bright future…” he declared to loud shouts of “Victory!”
Read more at: ALARABIYA
29 May 2025. Syria signs a $7 billion deal to double its electricity to improve lives
The Syria Power Revival Initiative, a multi-national consortium of companies from Qatar, Türkiye and the US, aims to double the energy supply in a nation facing devastating shortages. With solar farms and gas turbines, it could create as many as 250,000 jobs.
Read more at: ALARABIYA
29 May 2025. Global companies to invest in Syria’s energy sector
Syria’s Ministry of Energy has signed agreements with several international companies that will boost economic development and accelerate reconstruction. The energy minister called the meeting an historic moment and a turning point for the country.
Read more at: SANA
18 June 2025. “Silk Link” to transform Syria into internet hub
Syria’s Minister of Communications, Abdul Salam Haykal, and Italy’s ambassador to Syria, Stefano Ravagnan, have discussed an alliance to develop Syria’s digital infrastructure. Minister Haykal unveiled the nation’s bold plans to create an internet hub and its goal of connecting 85% of the country, via fibre optics, within two years. Italy’s ambassador welcomed renewed relations with Syria and expressed the interest of Italian firms in supporting Syria’s ICT sector.
Read more at: SANA
21 June 2025. Youth Lead the Way toward Reconstruction
100 young Syrians gathered in the eastern province of Deir Ezzor for the inaugural youth conference, “Youth: Rise and Construction”. Governor Ghassan Sayyed Ahmad emphasized the vital role of youth in Syria’s post-war recovery, calling them a cornerstone of national rebuilding. Workshops addressed social, political, and economic issues; participants presented ideas to restore Syria after decades of conflict, repression, and widespread destruction.
Read more at: SANA
24 June 2025. US-Syria Business Council to build economic bridges
The newly established US-Syria Business Council aims to boost economic ties following the lifting of US sanctions. It will serve as a gateway for US companies and banks to invest in Syria, and for Syrians living outside the country to contribute their business and technological expertise to key sectors such as agriculture, energy, tech, and infrastructure. A main goal is to increase the value of trade between Syria and the US.
Read more at: ENAB BALADI
25 June 2025. World Bank injects millions into Syria’s power grid and economic recovery
The World Bank has approved a $146 million grant to help establish reliable and affordable electricity through the Syria Emergency Electricity Project, repairing key transmission lines and substations, and supporting development. The Bank’s Middle East director, Jean-Christophe Carret, called this the “first step in a planned increase in World Bank support to Syria on its path to recovery and development.”
Read more at: SANA
New & Renewed Relationships
6 January 2025. UAE, Syria discuss building ties as new ministers visit
Foreign ministers from the UAE and Syria’s new government discussed strengthening relations during the first official Syrian visit to the Gulf country since the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad. The United Arab Emirates top diplomat, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Syria’s new Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, “discussed ways to enhance the strong fraternal relations between the two countries,” UAE’s official WAM news agency reported. Sheikh Abdullah also “reiterated the UAE’s firm position in supporting Syria’s independence and sovereignty over all its territories.”
Their trip to the UAE comes after they visited its Gulf neighbors, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Read more at: ALARABIYA
3 February 2025. Syria’s al-Sharaa to visit Turkey on Tuesday
At the invitation of Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Syria’s interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa will visit Turkey on his second international visit since the toppling of Bashar al-Assad in December. Turkey, which has had close ties with al-s Sharaa, reopened its diplomatic mission in Syria and sent its spy chief and foreign minister for talks with the new leader soon after al-Assad was toppled by “Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
Talks between Erdogan and Sharaa at the presidential palace in the capital Ankara will focus on “joint steps to be taken for economic recovery, sustainable stability and security” in Syria, Altun said. “We believe that the Turkey-Syria relations, which were re-established after Syria regained its freedom, will be strengthened and gain dimension,” he added.
Read more at: ALARABIYA
5 February 2025. Syria’s new path: Strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia for a stable future
Signalling a new chapter in Middle Eastern diplomacy, Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa embarked on his inaugural foreign visit to Saudi Arabia. This visit underscores a significant shift in regional alliances and highlights the strengthening ties between Damascus and Riyadh. It represents a major step in Syria’s efforts to reintegrate into the Arab world and demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s willingness to support Syria’s new leadership.
President al-Sharaa was warmly received by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Comprehensive discussions focussed on enhancing bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including humanitarian aid, economic development, energy, technology, education, and health. They also deliberated strategies to bolster regional security and stability, a key concern for both nations given the ongoing geopolitical shifts in the region. This meeting is a strong signal that Syria is moving in a new direction, prioritizing economic recovery and regional integration over past alliances that isolated the country. It follows the Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan’s trip to Damascus on January 24, 2025.
Read more at: ALARABIYA
3 June 2025. Pivotal shift in US engagement with Syria
US Special Envoy for Syria, Thomas Barrack, announced the closing of most US military bases in Syria and said the US would advocate for the integration of the Kurdish-led military coalition in northeast Syria (SDF) into Syria’s new national army.
Read more at: THE SYRIAN OBSERVER
11 June 2025. Interfaith visit to Syria sparks dialogue on peace
Reverend Johnnie Moore and Rabbi Abraham Cooper, long-time advocates of interfaith dialogue in Arab nations, visited Syria to promote peace efforts and held talks with Syria’s president, Ahmad al-Sharra, who is Muslim. Speaking to Reuters after the trip, Moore expresses optimism about future peace, stating it is “very possible, if not probable.”
Read more at: REUTERS
23 September 2025. President Ahmed al-Sharaa interviewed by erstwhile enemy at Concordia Annual Summit in New York
Ahmad al-Sharaa is interviewed with admiration by retired US General, David Petraeus, who commanded the American forces in Iraq during the time when al-Sharaa was imprisoned there.
Watch video at: YOUTUBE
30 September 2025. President Ahmed al-Sharaa meets Syrian community in USA
President Ahmad al-Sharaa extended his sincere gratitude to the Syrian community in the United States for the warm welcome he received during his visit to the United Nations in New York.
“…You have presented a bright image of the free Syrian who is proud of his dignity and Syrian identity,’ he said, adding that Syria will never forget this “noble stance, which reflects the authenticity of your character and the purity of your patriotism.”
Read more at: SANA
Celebrating a Year of Amazing Achievement
5 December 2025. Hama celebrates Assad’s overthrow with joy and calls for justice
Tens of thousands of people from Hama and around the country gathered to mark the overthrow of the brutal regime that caused extreme suffering there for decades, including a major massacre under Hafiz Assad in 1982. The atmosphere was described as joyful and hopeful, with demands for justice for those responsible for the massacres.
Read more at: ALJAZEEERA and Watch Video at: ALJAZEEERA
5 December 2025. Quneitra schools celebrate Syria’s victory with joy, pride, and beauty
A major celebration took place at al-Koum Secondary School, where the anniversary was commemorated with music, theater, and artistic performances which celebrated resilience, unity, and national belonging. Education officials sought to instill the meaning of the victory.
Read more at: SANA
7 December 2025. Liberation celebrations ignite in Umayyad Square starting days before the anniversary
Several days before the anniversary of Assad’s overthrow, people began to celebrate their freedom in Damascus. “Everything is better, and every month we’re seeing new things. There is hope,” said one woman. Another said: “We were oppressed, but now our sadness has been released.”
Read more at: ALJAZEERA
8 December 2025. Remarkable economic developments in year since liberation
Syria’s economy shows significant advances in first year: sanctions lifted, $28B investments announced with major agreements in energy, infrastructure, and real estate development, currency strengthened, inflation reduced, along with reforms encouraging global partnerships.
Read more at: LEVANT24
8 December 2025. Syrian youth embrace new freedoms, hopeful about future yet concerned
One year after the revolution’s victory, this video depicts young people enjoying new freedoms in all aspects of their daily lives, while expressing concerns about jobs and the future.
Watch video at: AL JAZEERA
8 December 2025. One year on – a timeline
Some key events throughout the first year of the new Syria.
Read more at: ALJAZEERA
9 December 2025. “From North to South, we will restore Syria’s strength”
On Liberation Day, President Sharaa prayed at the Umayyad Mosque and spoke to large crowds declaring: “We will build a country worthy of its present and its past… No obstacle will deter us. Together, we will confront every challenge, God willing.”
Read more at: SYRIAN OBSERVER
9 December 2025. World leaders congratulate Syria as anniversary celebrations continue across the nation
Leaders from the Middle East and around the world hailed Syria’s achievements in its first year of freedom, praising the people for their endurance and resilience through years of injustice, pain and sacrifice, affirming support for a united, stable and prosperous Syria at peace with its neighbors.
Read more at: LEVANT24