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Syrian soccer fans watch World Cup matches on giant screens at the Damascus Fairgrounds in Damascus, Syria, on June 11, 2026. (Rami Alsayed-NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Syrian soccer fans watch World Cup matches on giant screens at the Damascus Fairgrounds in Damascus, Syria, on June 11, 2026. (Rami Alsayed-NurPhoto via Getty Images)

The Quiet Miracles of Ordinary Life in New Syria

Line Sergie Attar returned to Syria in the summer and found something new: the quiet miracle of ordinary life. “On a July afternoon, I stood on the edge of al-Hatab Square in the old city of Aleppo, filming, transfixed. A group of boys was kicking a soccer ball around the square. One kicked it out into the street, out of the frame, where it bounced off a parked car. Another ball appeared immediately from the other side. They shouted, laughed, and kept playing. It was an ordinary scene, but I couldn’t look away.”Read more at: TIME

A woman in Damacus holds photographs of missing loved ones after fall of Assad. (Reuters)
A woman in Damacus holds photographs of missing loved ones after fall of Assad. (Reuters)

Syria initiates annual UN International Day honoring women’s role in searching for missing persons

31 August 2026.  The UN General Assembly adopted a proposal from Syria’s National Commission for Missing Persons to honor the role of women in searching for loved ones and discovering truth about their disappearance. Through the Athar [traces] program, the commission is strengthening measures for reporting, investigating, supporting families and involving them in the search.Read more at: SANA

UNICEF Deputy Representative, Zainab Adam (L) and Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Hind Kabawat (R) at the +Cash program. (Syrian Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor)
UNICEF Deputy Representative, Zainab Adam (L) and Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Hind Kabawat (R) at the +Cash program. (Syrian Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor)

“Cash Plus” program launched by Syria and UNICEF for vulnerable families in eleven provinces

27 August 2026.  The Cash Plus program offers financial assistance and essential services to families with children, from birth to 17, that are facing economic hardship, food insecurity, health challenges or the need for child protection. The program contributes to a national system planned for long-term social protection.Read more at: SANA

Defense Ministry launches Wounds That Forged Victory forum in Damascus. (Syrian Ministry of Defense)
Defense Ministry launches Wounds That Forged Victory forum in Damascus. (Syrian Ministry of Defense)

“Wounds That Forged Victory” honors soldiers who sacrificed for a new Syria

23 August 2026.  Launched by the Ministry of Defense, “Wounds That Forged Victory” is part of a series of forums dedicated to supporting and providing care for severely wounded soldiers, honoring their sacrifices during the revolution, and helping them transition into active participation in Syrian life.Read more at: SANA

President Ahmed al-Sharaa speaks about his vision for Syria during extensive interview with Al Jazeera. (Video clip AL JAZEERA)
President Ahmed al-Sharaa speaks about his vision for Syria during extensive interview with Al Jazeera. (Video clip AL JAZEERA)

Syria’s new president outlines vision of a transformed nation

14 August 2026.  In an exclusive Al Jazeera interview, President al-Sharaa describes Syria’s shift from a broken pariah state to a nation resolving internal conflicts, forming regional and global relationships, fostering economic revival, rebuilding institutions, and gradually establishing democratic governance.Watch video at: AL JAZEERA

President Ahmad al-Sharaa speaking at the opening ceremony of the Syria International Textile Exhibition (NASTEX 2026) in Damascus. (SANA)
President Ahmad al-Sharaa speaking at the opening ceremony of the Syria International Textile Exhibition (NASTEX 2026) in Damascus. (SANA)

President hails revival of Syria’s textile industry as vital to cultural and economic renewal

18 July 2026.  Addressing the Syria International Textile Exhibition, attended by over 300 exhibitors from 25 countries, President al-Sharaa spoke of the industry’s revival as a means of restoring a heritage of creativity, expertise and skilled craftsmanship, as well as a source of job creation and economic growth.Read more at: SANA

People’s Assembly building in Damascus, as the new parliament is formed. (SANA)
People’s Assembly building in Damascus, as the new parliament is formed. (SANA)

Completion of new People’s Assembly membership marks milestone in Syria’s transition to democracy

2 July 2026.  With 70 appointments by the president, adding to 137 elected members, Syria’s transitional parliament is complete. The appointees include figures from diverse spheres of Syrian life, including 15 women, plus individuals who suffered years of detention and loss of limbs in Syria’s liberation struggle.Read more at: SANA

Janay Boulos, left, and Abd Alkader Habak in Birds of War. (Abd Alkader Habak:Habak Films)
Janay Boulos, left, and Abd Alkader Habak in Birds of War. (Abd Alkader Habak:Habak Films)

A love story between London and Syria unfolds through journalism, danger and devotion

2 July 2026.  A new soon-to-be-released documentary follows BBC journalist Janay Boulos and Syrian photojournalist Abd Alkader Habak, tracing their long-distance relationship through war, shared footage, personal memories and eventual reunion, revealing humanity and love amid devastation. Read more at: THE GUARDIAN.COM/FILM Watch film trailer at: BIRDS OF WAR

Children explore astronomy inside the “Knowledge Dome,” an initiative bringing immersive science education to Damascus neighbourhoods. (L24)
Children explore astronomy inside the “Knowledge Dome,” an initiative bringing immersive science education to Damascus neighbourhoods. (L24)

“Knowledge Dome” brings space exploration and hope to Damascus neighborhoods

24 June 2026.  A youth-led astronomy project brings space education to Damascus neighborhoods, offering residents an interactive visual experience. The founder, a Syrian entrepreneur who recently returned after living abroad, seeks to inspire creativity, curiosity in the world and hope in Syrian children.Read more at: LEVANT 24

A volunteer with the Syrian Clothes Bank helps a child choose clothing, reflecting the initiative’s focus on dignity, choice and community support. (L24)
A volunteer with the Syrian Clothes Bank helps a child choose clothing, reflecting the initiative’s focus on dignity, choice and community support. (L24)

Free clothing bank opens in Damascus, bringing families in need and volunteers together in spirit of solidarity

22 June 2026.  The Syrian Clothes Bank offers free clothing to families recovering from war and economic hardship, and more. Organizers say the act of choosing clothing helps restore a sense of dignity and personal agency. A volunteer said the experience strengthens her appreciation for the rewards of giving.Read more at: LEVANT 24

Italian musicians join the Syrian National Symphony Orchestra in a concert at the Damascus Opera House. (SANA)
Italian musicians join the Syrian National Symphony Orchestra in a concert at the Damascus Opera House. (SANA)

Italian and Syrian musicians perform in Damascus concert marking Italy’s National Day

3 June 2026.  The event, titled “Italian Breezes,” brought together Italian artists and the Syrian National Symphony Orchestra in a program blending Italian classical works and Syrian musical traditions, concluding with Arab Symphonic Dances by Syrian composer Nouri Al-Rahiban.Read more at: SANA

Residents of Ariha, southern Idlib, gather to celebrate the city’s 2015 liberation and its full liberation in 2024. (SANA)
Residents of Ariha, southern Idlib, gather to celebrate the city’s 2015 liberation and its full liberation in 2024. (SANA)

Idlib town marks 11th anniversary of 1st liberation with renewed commitment to revolutionary values

29 May 2026.  Residents of Ariha commemorated the first revolutionary victory in the ‘Battle for Idlib’ of 2015, amid the joy and security of Syria’s full liberation in 2024. The event honored the sacrifices made and recalled the revolution’s stages, aiming to pass on the history to younger generations.Read more at: SANA

First Lady Latifa al-Droubi meets educator Samira al-Qaddour in recognition of her community leadership and resilience. (SANA)
First Lady Latifa al-Droubi meets educator Samira al-Qaddour in recognition of her community leadership and resilience. (SANA)

First Lady honors community leader, symbol of resilience, and rebuilder of Syria

27 May 2026.  First Lady Latifa al-Droubi met with Samira al-Qaddour, an Idlib school principal known for her civic work and resilience during the war, when she was displaced to camps for anti-regime protests. Upon her return, she launched several education initiatives, including rebuilding a school with local women.Read more at: SANA

Dr. Zahra al-Barazi, Transitional Justice Advisor at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and member of the National Commission for Transitional Justice. (SANA)
Dr. Zahra al-Barazi, Transitional Justice Advisor at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and member of the National Commission for Transitional Justice. (SANA)

High-profile perpetrator of war crimes captured in major advance toward justice

26 April 2026.  The capture of Amjad Youssef, responsible for 288 deaths during Syria’s war, marks a major step in the government’s pursuit of transitional justice, said Dr. al-Barazi, explaining that it opens the way to holding the chain of command accountable for atrocities committed by the previous regime.Read more at:  SANA

Visitors and officials browse children’s books from over 30 publishers at National Library in Damascus. (SANA)
Visitors and officials browse children’s books from over 30 publishers at National Library in Damascus. (SANA)

“A Generation Reads… A Nation Rises” – theme of Children’s Book Fair in Damascus

21 April 2026.  Culture Minister Mohammad al-Saleh stated at the book fair’s opening:  “We want Syria’s children to read what opens the path to understanding…; to read what connects them to their land, history and language,” and to learn to question and imagine.Read more at:  SANA

Dr. Fadia al-Haj Hussien (center left and right) is one of five women scientists to receive the 2026 OWSD-Elsevier Foundation (Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World and the Elsevier Foundation) Award. (Enab Baladi)
Dr. Fadia al-Haj Hussien (center left and right) is one of five women scientists to receive the 2026 OWSD-Elsevier Foundation (Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World and the Elsevier Foundation) Award. (Enab Baladi)

Syrian scientist receives global award for breakthrough in low-cost sustainable energy

2 April 2026.  Dr. Fadia al-Haj Hussien, a researcher on the Faculty of Pharmacy at Hama University, discovered how to transform industrial waste and local materials into catalysts for energy production. For her, the importance lies in science’s support of community needs and economic stability.Read more at: ENAB BALADI

Amid the current regional conflict, a new pipeline was proposed from Iraq to Syria’s Baniyas port. (Iraqi News Agency)
Amid the current regional conflict, a new pipeline was proposed from Iraq to Syria’s Baniyas port. (Iraqi News Agency)

Current energy crisis could be an “exceptional historic moment” for Syria, says US envoy

26 March 2026.  Noting Syria’s unique geographic position and strategic potential, calling its leadership “the best on the ground,” the US envoy proposes that Syria’s territory could be used to help circumvent the blockage of oil and gas from the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, by means of interconnecting oil and gas pipelines.Read more at:  ENABBALADI

“Even in the deepest darkness, cultural traditions can endure, adapt, and ultimately help heal a wounded nation.” (SANA)
“Even in the deepest darkness, cultural traditions can endure, adapt, and ultimately help heal a wounded nation.” (SANA)

Syrians reclaim joys of Eid al-Fitr after painful decades of suppression

23 March 2026.  During decades of dictatorship, Eid had become a marker of loss—a time of mourning for joyful family and communal celebrations. Since the regime’s fall in 2024, it has become an occasion for reclaiming social and cultural identity and a symbol of resilience.Read more at:  SANA