AGP Executive Report

Kurdish Education in Focus: Syrian Kurds are worried that the post-SDF shift will weaken Kurdish-language schooling that expanded in eastern Syria over the past decade, as Damascus takes over governance and Kurdish parties face new constitutional and political hurdles. Diplomacy and Recovery: Denmark reopened its Damascus embassy after 14 years and pledged $76 million for early recovery, stabilization, and refugee return, with talks also held with Syria’s foreign minister and President Ahmad al-Sharaa. New Investment Push: UAE developer Arada entered Syria via a joint venture with the Syrian Sovereign Fund to build a $7 billion mixed-use megaproject in New Damascus, including thousands of homes, a hospital, schools, and a large public park. Security Flashpoints: In Sweida, clashes with “outlaw groups” left 10 security personnel wounded amid protests over students being blocked from exams; in Daraa, Israeli forces carried out heavy fire and a ground incursion into Jamla, with searches of homes reported. Regional Tensions at Sea: Turkish warships reportedly forced Israeli vessels to alter course in the Mediterranean, underscoring rising Ankara-Tel Aviv friction. Counterterror Finance Case: South Korea arrested four Uzbek men accused of sending crypto and vehicles to a UN-listed extremist group operating in Syria. Defense and Trade Signals: The U.S. approved an $800 million helicopter sale to Iraq, while Syria’s return to global finance continues to draw attention.

Sweida Security Clashes: Syrian internal security forces reported four injured while repelling attacks on positions in Sweida’s western countryside, with “outlaws” also attempting a drone strike on al-Mansoura amid ongoing unrest. Syria Finances: Syria says public revenue more than doubled in the first half of 2026 to about $2.7bn, while spending rose sharply to about $3.7bn, driven by wages and higher costs. Kurdish Cultural Push in Damascus: A Kurdish cultural event at a government center drew calls for Kurdish language and culture recognition, with organizers framing it as a step toward broader integration. UAE Investment in Syria: Arada Group and the Syrian Sovereign Fund signed a $7bn real estate deal for a 4 million sq m project, pitching new housing, hospitality, education and healthcare for Emirati investors. Regional Security Shockwaves: Israel-Greece signed the “Achilles Shield” air-defense deal worth about $3.5bn as Turkey tensions rise, while separate reporting highlights Israel monitoring the Syrian border to prevent hostile presence. Sports (Syria in the Mix): India’s U20 side opened AFC qualifying with a 1-0 win over Syria in Tashkent, thanks to an 86th-minute goal.

US-Syria Delisting & Finance: The US rescinded Syria’s State Sponsor of Terrorism designation, a move that could ease some legal and financial barriers but won’t instantly unlock investment. World Bank Push: A $100M World Bank grant backs Syria’s financial sector modernization, aiming for safer, faster, more transparent payments and better access to services. Global Payments Come Back: Visa and Mastercard have begun international card transactions in Syria after the delisting, with officials framing it as a return to global finance. Tech Connectivity: Syria is in advanced talks with SpaceX to license Starlink, with an agreement expected within weeks. Diplomacy in Libya: Syria and Libya agreed to reopen Syria’s Tripoli embassy after nearly 14 years and reactivate a joint coordination committee, with consular services planned. Security on the Coast: Syrian forces killed an ex–Assad-era commander in a raid east of Tartus, as authorities intensify actions against armed remnants. Southern Clashes: Two civilians were killed in renewed clashes in As-Suwayda after shelling hit a tractor. Regional Cooperation: Türkiye and Syria completed a floating bridge over the Euphrates to ease transport in Deir el-Zour.

Suwayda Security: A mortar shell hit western Suwayda, killing a forcibly displaced woman and a tractor driver, with two others injured, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Diplomacy & Trade: Syria reopened its Tripoli embassy after 14 years and agreed to reactivate a joint higher committee with Libya, as the foreign minister met Libyan officials and discussed security, consular issues, and financial dues. Regional Infrastructure: Turkish and Syrian forces completed a floating bridge over the Euphrates to ease transport burdens in Deir ez-Zor, replacing an earlier flood-damaged crossing. Post-Assad Accountability: Syrian security forces killed a senior Assad-era commander in a raid in Safita after he opened fire during an attempt to arrest him. Border Tensions in Quneitra: Reports say Israeli forces set up a checkpoint, raided homes, and used tanks in Quneitra countryside amid ongoing violations near the border strip. Finance Re-Integration Watch: Visa and Mastercard payments in Syria continue to signal a return to global financial channels after the US delisting. Sports (Damascus Interest): New Zealand beat Syria 126-74 in FIBA Asian qualifiers, while India’s U20 team begins its AFC campaign against Syria in Tashkent.

Diplomacy & Sovereignty: Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani arrived in Tripoli to meet Libyan officials and reopen the Syrian Embassy, while Qatar’s foreign minister called to stress support for Syria’s sovereignty, unity, and stability. Regional Tensions: Turkey’s Erdogan escalated his feud with Israel by accusing it of genocide; Israel hit back, and the wider Israel–Turkey standoff remains tied to Syria’s rebuilding. Security on the Ground: Israel shelled southern Syria despite recent de-escalation efforts, and reports also flagged raids and shelling near Damascus countryside. Weather Disruption: A sandstorm blanketed Homs in an eerie orange haze, cutting visibility. State & Society: Syria’s Kurdish political wing urged activating the political process under international supervision, and Druze-related exam access disputes were reported. Economy & Connectivity: Damascus received its first two Airbus A320 aircraft as part of aviation rehabilitation, and Syria’s first international card payments via Visa/Mastercard were reported as a sign of financial reopening. Water: Euphrates flows from Syria to Iraq quadrupled, according to Iraq’s water ministry.

U.S.-Syria financial thaw: Visa and Mastercard processed Syria’s first international card payments in more than 15 years after Washington removed Syria from the State Sponsor of Terrorism list, signaling a push to modernize the payments ecosystem and reopen doors for visitors and investment. Kurdish integration milestone: Syria’s President Ahmad al-Sharaa approved the dismantling of the Kurdish SDF military framework and moved fighters into Syrian state structures, a major step toward “unified” security. Israel-Syria tensions: Despite US-mediated de-escalation talks, Israeli forces shelled southern Syria near Beit Jinn/ Bat al-Warda Hill, underscoring how quickly diplomacy can be undercut. Security and drugs: Syrian authorities said they stopped an attempted international smuggling operation from Suwayda, seizing 138 kg of hashish and 382,000 pills. Regional diplomacy: Qatar’s foreign ministry minister discussed bilateral cooperation with Syrian FM Asaad al-Shaibani, stressing support for Syria’s sovereignty and unity. UN education access: The UN raised concern over reports that Suwayda students were blocked from reaching exam centers, urging movement and education without disruption.

Syria’s Kurdish integration push: President Ahmad al-Sharaa appointed Mazloum Abdi, the former US-backed SDF commander, as a presidential adviser after the SDF dissolved and fighters moved into state institutions, while the government also moved to expand Kurdish-language schooling as part of a wider national integration plan. Damascus reconstruction market: At the 63rd Damascus International Fair, foreign firms are testing the waters for rebuilding deals, even as banking and logistics hurdles remain; the fair’s backdrop is Syria’s financial reopening after Visa and Mastercard processed the first international card payments in more than 15 years. US-Syria diplomatic shift: The US removed Syria from its state sponsor of terrorism list and also delisted Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, with officials saying it could unlock investment and sanctions relief—though critics warn Washington may be losing leverage too fast. Israel-Syria escalation: Israeli artillery struck farmland west of Damascus with no reported casualties, as raids and incursions continue in southern Syria. Regional politics at the UN: Qatar reiterated support for Syria’s sovereignty and unity at a UN Security Council briefing, calling for more international help for recovery and safe returns.

SDF Integration & Kurdish Rights: Syria’s transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa appointed Mazloum Abdi, the former SDF commander, as a presidential adviser after the SDF’s dissolution and fighter integration into state institutions; the education ministry also authorized Kurdish-language instruction in schools, while Kurds and the PYD welcomed steps but warned the “Kurdish question” still needs constitutional guarantees. Damascus Reconstruction Push: At the 63rd Damascus International Fair, foreign firms from dozens of countries are probing Syria’s reconstruction market as banking barriers ease—Visa and Mastercard processed Syria’s first international card transactions in over 15 years. Israel-Syria Tensions: Israeli forces carried out raids and searches in Quneitra’s Taranja and Umm Batna, as Damascus warns escalation could spiral. Regional Diplomacy: Iraq praised the SDF integration deal as a move toward Syria’s stability and sovereignty, while Russia’s naval presence appears to be heading toward Tartus after a Syrian agreement.

Syria’s financial comeback: Syria processed its first international card payment in over 15 years, with Mastercard and QNB Syria enabling a transaction after the payments network was reconnected—an early sign of broader financial reopening under President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Kurds integrated into the state: Sharaa appointed Mazloum Abdi as a presidential adviser days after the SDF announced dissolution and “complete integration” into Syrian institutions, underscoring Damascus’s push to extend control across the northeast. Media and identity: Syria licensed Turkmen TV as the first accredited channel carrying the Turkmen community’s name, as authorities reorganize the media sector. Security pressure in the south: Israeli strikes and raids continued around Quneitra and Damascus countryside, with Turkey again condemning the attacks as violations of sovereignty. Humanitarian strain: Save the Children warned that volatile oil prices are driving up aid delivery costs, threatening lifesaving support for 1.5 million children. Regional diplomacy backdrop: UN officials warned the region is edging toward wider catastrophe as Israel’s actions keep tensions high.

U.S.-Syria thaw: Washington removed Syria from its State Sponsor of Terrorism list, and Damascus is moving fast to rejoin global finance—Visa and Mastercard processed Syria’s first international card payments in more than 15 years, with President Ahmed al-Sharaa making a symbolic Visa purchase in Damascus. Israel-Syria tensions: Despite U.S.-backed diplomacy, Israel kept up artillery, air raids, and ground incursions in southern Syria and Lebanon, including strikes and raids near Quneitra and around Abu al-Duhur, drawing UN Security Council condemnation and calls for de-escalation. Kurdish integration: Syria’s Kurdish-led SDF has dissolved and fighters are integrating into state structures, while Kurdish language education is set to enter schools formally for the first time, a major shift for Kurdish rights. Returns from Jordan: UNHCR says about 220,000 registered Syrian refugees have returned from Jordan since Dec. 2024, with roughly 45,000 returning since the start of 2026. Regional ties: Saudi Arabia and Syria signed four transport and logistics agreements in Damascus, including roads/railway cooperation and civil aviation pacts.

Visa Payment Signals Reintegration: Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa made the country’s first Visa card payment in Old Damascus, alongside Central Bank chief Safwat Raslan, as Washington removed Syria from its state sponsor of terrorism list and moved to delist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham—an effort officials say will unlock investment and speed reconstruction. Kurdish Integration Moves On: Syria’s Kurdish-led SDF has dissolved as fighters and institutions are folded into state structures; YPJ leaders are still pressing for a special anti-terror role, while Kurdish education policy also shifts as Kurdish language enters schools as an elective. Security Tensions Persist: Israel carried out raids and strikes in southern Syria’s Quneitra and elsewhere despite US-brokered de-escalation talks, with Damascus calling violations of sovereignty. Humanitarian Support: WFP and South Korea launched a $5 million food and nutrition program for vulnerable Syrians, targeting malnutrition and food insecurity. Refugee Returns: UNHCR says about 220,000 Syrian refugees have returned from Jordan since late 2024, with 45,000 returning in 2026 so far.

SDF Dissolution and Integration: Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces officially dissolved after a deal with Damascus, with fighters integrating into state military and civilian institutions; Kurds in Qamishli voiced mixed emotions while regional backers—including Jordan and Turkey—welcomed the step but urged real implementation on the ground. Damascus-Moscow Reset: Putin reaffirmed support for Syria’s unity and sovereignty in a call with al-Sharaa, highlighting a memorandum to reorganize Russia’s Hmeimim and Tartus military footprint. US Terror Delisting Fallout: The US removed Syria from its State Sponsors of Terrorism list, prompting broad Arab and regional welcomes and renewed talk of investment and sanctions relief—while victims’ lawyers said it risks sidelining those harmed. Israel-Turkey-Syria Tensions: Israel’s strikes and the dispute over Turkish access to Syria’s Abu al-Duhur base kept diplomacy tense, with the US urging restraint and mediation efforts continuing. Economy and Services: QNB Group completed Syria’s first end-to-end international card payment transaction, signaling gradual reopening for cross-border commerce. Regional Politics in Sweida: A Druze spiritual leader’s remarks linking the Druze to Israel sparked controversy as Sweida’s political future remains under intense scrutiny.

US-Syria Delisting: Washington removed Syria from its State Sponsors of Terrorism list after nearly 47 years, easing a major investment barrier and opening talk of further sanctions relief. SDF Dissolution: Mazloum Abdi announced the end of the YPG-led Syrian Democratic Forces and full integration into Syrian state institutions, with officials stressing the integration process is ongoing. Israel-Turkey Friction: Syria condemned Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz’s “illegal” entry into the southwest buffer zone, while Qatar urged the international community to force Israel to respect the 1974 Disengagement Agreement. Court Accountability: Damascus sentenced Assad-era grand mufti Ahmad Hassoun to life in prison over war crimes and crimes against humanity. Regional Diplomacy: Syria’s leadership met Abdi to discuss practical integration steps, as US officials hailed the move as part of a “united Syria.” Economy & Trade: Turkey and Syria signed a mining deal focused on phosphate development, with plans for rail links and industrial investment. Weather Watch: Arab forecasts warn of thunderstorms and flash-flood risks, with Syria and Lebanon facing the strongest instability signals.

SDF Dissolution & Integration: Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) commander Mazloum Abdi announced the group’s formal dissolution in Damascus, saying its fighters and institutions have been integrated into Syrian state forces under the January integration deal, with the Kurdish-led AANES also set to end as an independent structure. US Signals “United Syria”: US officials hailed the move as part of a “united Syria” framework, while Damascus framed it as a shift from armed operations to rebuilding and political participation. Kurdish Language in Schools: Syria’s education authorities will introduce Kurdish as an optional school subject starting the 2026-2027 year, with two classes per week and curriculum work scheduled before the start of term. Israel-Tensions at Mount Hermon: Syria condemned Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz’s visit to the occupied Mount Hermon buffer area as “illegal,” while Katz vowed Israel will not leave as long as “jihadist threats” remain. US Terror-List Delisting: The US removed Syria from its State Sponsors of Terrorism list, with Damascus and regional partners calling it a major step toward financial access and economic recovery.

US-Syria Delisting: The United States has removed Syria from its “State Sponsors of Terrorism” list after nearly 47 years, with Washington also revoking the terrorism designation tied to Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a move Damascus says clears the way for investment and reconstruction. Damascus Response: President Ahmed al-Sharaa called it “shaking off a dark stain,” thanking Trump and supportive nations, while Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani framed the step as a historic milestone for the new Syrian state and its commitment to peace. Regional Reactions: Turkey welcomed the decision, saying it removes a major obstacle to Syria’s economic recovery, while Qatar praised the move as supportive of stability and the political process. Accountability in Court: In parallel, Syria sentenced the former Grand Mufti to life imprisonment over incitement to violence and justification of killings during the Assad era. Diplomacy Under Pressure: As sanctions ease, Syria’s leadership continues navigating high-stakes Israel-related talks and de-escalation efforts, including US-mediated contacts after recent strikes.

US-Syria Delisting: The United States has officially removed Syria from its State Sponsors of Terrorism list after a 45-day congressional review, ending a designation that began in 1979 and lifting major restrictions tied to the terrorism designation; Washington also removed Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) from its terrorist lists, a move officials say clears the way for more investment and reconstruction. US-Mediated De-escalation: Syria and the “Zionist entity” held high-level, US-mediated talks in Jordan focused on stopping strikes and reviving a security agreement, with Damascus stressing de-escalation and preventing spillover into Turkey-related tensions. Israel-Turkey Flashpoint: Reporting says Israel warned the US that Türkiye may deploy radar and air-defense assets at Syria’s Abu al-Duhur airbase, after recent strikes that raised fears of a wider confrontation. Food Crisis Watch: The World Food Programme warns hunger is worsening in Syria, with more than half the population struggling to get enough food. Regional Diplomacy: Saudi Arabia and France called for a negotiated solution on Iran and urged restoring normal navigation in the Strait of Hormuz amid renewed shipping risks.