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Transition

Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani announces progress with disposal of chemical weapons. (SANA)
Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani announces progress with disposal of chemical weapons. (SANA)

Syria reports major progress in uncovering and dismantling deadly chemical weapons of ousted regime

    29 May 2026.  Foreign Minister al-Shaibani announced that Syrian teams had managed to locate and secure materials from Assad’s chemical weapons program, working with OPCW inspectors. He spoke of prosecutions and commitment to transparency in building a safer nation and more stable region.Read more at:  SYRIAN OBSERVER

    Voters cast ballots in parliamentary elections in Hasakah province, northern Syria, May 24, 2026. (SANA)
    Voters cast ballots in parliamentary elections in Hasakah province, northern Syria, May 24, 2026. (SANA)

    Parliamentary elections in former Kurdish areas allow launch of People’s Assembly 

      25 May 2026.  Elections of members to Syria’s Peoples Assembly took place in the largely Kurdish northeast regions of Hasakah and Aleppo provinces, after security-related delays. The political integration of SDF forces into Syrian state structures enables the People’s Assembly to begin its legislative work.Read more at: LEVANT 24

      Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Hind Kabawat, and World Food Program Country Director, Marianne Ward, sign an agreement to launch the T-Anmu (I Grow) social protection program. (SANA)
      Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Hind Kabawat, and World Food Program Country Director, Marianne Ward, sign an agreement to launch the T-Anmu (I Grow) social protection program. (SANA)

      First national program is launched to aid vulnerable families through nutrition

        18 May 2026.  Syria’s Social Affairs and Labor ministry and the World Food Program opened the “T-Anmu” (I Grow) initiative, supported by France and Switzerland, aimed at building an integrated, just and sustainable social protection system with a focus on Syrian families with malnourished children.Read more at: SANA

        Head of CENTCOM (US Central Command), Adm. Brad Cooper, testifies to US Senate Armed Services Committee on post-Assad Syria, 14 May 2026. (AFP)
        Head of CENTCOM (US Central Command), Adm. Brad Cooper, testifies to US Senate Armed Services Committee on post-Assad Syria, 14 May 2026. (AFP)

        US military commander testifies to Congress that Syria is “center of gravity” in regional fight against IS

          16 May 2026.  The leader of the US Central Command, head of military operations in 20 Middle East and Asian countries, sees Syria as pivotal to shifting the Middle East from a zone of chaos into a zone of trade and stability, and he linked Syria’s stability to US security. He said the US is engaging with the Syrian government to “support a settlement that preserves dignity in the post-Assad phase.”Read more at: ENAB BALADI

          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

            Abdulhamid Alkhalifa, director-general of the OPEC Fund for International Development and Syrian Finance Minister, Muhammad Barnieh in Washington, DC. (L24)
            Abdulhamid Alkhalifa, director-general of the OPEC Fund for International Development and Syrian Finance Minister, Muhammad Barnieh in Washington, DC. (L24)

            Syria seeks renewal of international programs cancelled under old regime

              19 April 2026.  During the annual spring meetings of the world’s major global financial institutions in Washington, Syria’s Finance Minister met with the World Bank, IMF and OPEC’s Fund for International Development to restart programs rescinded under the previous regime and present new initiatives.Read more at:  LEVANT 24

              Tears of Syrian liberation

              Catharsis and Closure: The Role of Collective Grief

                Everywhere you look in Syria, people have tears in their eyes. This widespread, visceral crying witnessed across the Syrian population following the liberation from the Assad regime is more than just a reaction to a political shift; it is a profound sociological and psychological phenomenon. Read more at: Line (Lyn) Khatib, Radio Free Syria…

                Dr Zaher Sahloul

                About the Kurds by Dr Zaher Sahloul

                  The decree issued by President Ahmed al-Sharaa is a historic decree, similar in importance to the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, or national origin. The Proclamation has the potential to end discrimination against the brave and dignified Kurdish people, who represent an essential component of the Syrian fabric. Read More at: Dr Zaher Sahloul…

                  White Helmets sacrificed their lives to rescue people from bombed out buildings during Syria’s civil war. (Syria Civil Defense Archive)
                  White Helmets sacrificed their lives to rescue people from bombed out buildings during Syria’s civil war. (Syria Civil Defense Archive)

                  White Helmets shift from emergency rescues to helping Syria recover from wreckage of war

                    14 April 2026.  Recognized for their heroism and self-sacrifice in Syria’s war, voluntarily rescuing people from the rubble of bombings, their role expanded to meet other emergencies. Now, as part of the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management in June 2025, they are helping rebuild the country.Read more at: SANA

                    Syria and UN convened workshop to strengthen 2027–2030 framework for sustainable development goals. (SANA)
                    Syria and UN convened workshop to strengthen 2027–2030 framework for sustainable development goals. (SANA)

                    UN team and Syrian government outline three-year development plan

                      7 April 2026.  Syria and UN partners discussed priorities for Syria’s sustainable development, with a focus on President al-Sharaa’s “Syria Without Camps” initiative, which aims to close camps for displaced people and enable their safe return to dignified living conditions in their home communities.Read more at:  SANA

                      Ahmad al-Sharaa (formerly known as al-Jolani) celebrating HTS’ overthrow of the Assad regime, Damascus, 8 December 2024. (ISPI)
                      Ahmad al-Sharaa (formerly known as al-Jolani) celebrating HTS’ overthrow of the Assad regime, Damascus, 8 December 2024. (ISPI)

                      UN Security Council removes HTS from sanctions list in ongoing international policy shift toward Syria

                        28 February 2026.  The UN Security Council removed HTS from its ISIS and Al-Qaida sanctions list, clearing a final legal obstacle that was viewed as hindering Syria’s transition. The move, supporting the new government’s progress, lifts a 10-year freeze of assets, a travel ban, and arms embargo.Read more at:  LEVANT24

                        Syrian Finance Minister Mohammed Yosr Bernieh (center) meets with an International Monetary Fund delegation visiting Syria, February 17, 2026. (Syrian Ministry of Finance:Telegram)
                        Syrian Finance Minister Mohammed Yosr Bernieh (center) meets with an International Monetary Fund delegation visiting Syria, February 17, 2026. (Syrian Ministry of Finance:Telegram)

                        IMF underscores signs of recovery in Syria’s economy, praising economic reforms

                          26 February 2026.  The IMF delegation reported a recent increase in economic activity, due to rising consumer and investor confidence plus the continued return of refugees. The agency sees a promising economic outlook for 2026, depending on continued internal reconciliation and regional reintegration.Read more at:  ENABBALADI

                          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

                            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

                                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 

                                  Hope rises in Aleppo as a mediated ceasefire enables the peaceful withdrawal of SDF fighters and the safe evacuation of civilians. (Al Jazeera)
                                  Hope rises in Aleppo as a mediated ceasefire enables the peaceful withdrawal of SDF fighters and the safe evacuation of civilians. (Al Jazeera)

                                  Aleppo ceasefire declared with Kurdish fighters granted safe withdrawal

                                    11 January 2026.  A ceasefire mediated by the US, after days of intense fighting, allowed SDF fighters to safely leave Aleppo and enabled the peaceful evacuation of Kurdish civilians, wounded, and dead. The agreement was announced after Syrian government forces took control of the area.Read and watch more at:  AL JAZEERA

                                    A coordinated winter aid campaign delivers vital heating supplies to vulnerable families in northern Idlib, offering comfort, safety, and a message of unity. (L24)
                                    A coordinated winter aid campaign delivers vital heating supplies to vulnerable families in northern Idlib, offering comfort, safety, and a message of unity. (L24)

                                    Warmth and solidarity reach displaced families enduring severe winter conditions

                                      8 January 2026.  State and local governments, along with local communities, launched a coordinated “Warmth Campaign” for residents of camps in Latakia, Idlib, and elsewhere. Providing essential heating materials to vulnerable families, it fulfils the government’s commitment to alleviate citizens’ suffering.Read more at:  LEVANT 24

                                      Syria’s new heritage strategy places ancient monuments at the core of preservation efforts and national identity. (SANA:Wikimedia)
                                      Syria’s new heritage strategy places ancient monuments at the core of preservation efforts and national identity. (SANA:Wikimedia)

                                      New strategy to preserve Syria’s cultural legacy for Syrians and for all humanity

                                        1 January 2026.  The General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums unveiled a 10-year plan that views Syria’s cultural heritage as a cornerstone of national identity and collective memory spanning thousands of years, and as a part of humanity’s shared legacy.Read more at: SANA

                                        The Central Bank of Syria views the new currency as a symbol of renewal and confidence in the country’s future. (Jerusalem Post, 1 January, 2026)
                                        The Central Bank of Syria views the new currency as a symbol of renewal and confidence in the country’s future. (Jerusalem Post, 1 January, 2026)

                                        Central Bank announces new banknotes, symbol of Syria’s resurgence, available January 1st

                                          27 December 2025.  The Bank’s governor, Abdelkader Husrieh, stated the new lira is not merely a means of exchange, but a symbol of Syria’s successful revolution and confidence in the country’s revival, noting “a strong currency begins with its people’s belief in it.”Read more at:  SANA

                                          A member of Syria's security forces empties a sack of Captagon to be burned in a field outside Damascus. (Bakr Alkasem:AFP:AlJazeera)
                                          A member of Syria's security forces empties a sack of Captagon to be burned in a field outside Damascus. (Bakr Alkasem:AFP:AlJazeera)

                                          UN verifies Syria’s dismantling of complex drug network affecting Middle East region

                                            22 December 2025.  In the past year, Syria’s authorities have shut down factories and storage sites of the addictive drug Captagon, a major source of income for the previous regime. The UN report notes how political will and cooperation can quickly disrupt even complex drug networks.Read more at:  ALJAZEERA