AGP Executive Report

Southern Authority: Damascus is struggling to extend control as clashes, ISIS threats and tensions in Suwayda persist. Armed groups have blocked the Damascus–Suwayda road, while reports say Israeli forces are pushing a military barrier across farmland in the south. Political Transition: The Kurdish National Council renewed its call for a decentralized, pluralistic Syria with guaranteed rights, and met civil-society representatives to discuss coexistence and local stability. Accountability: Families of people who disappeared under Assad say former regime supporters are re-entering public life while the fate of the missing remains unknown, sharpening questions over reconciliation and justice. Education and Recovery: The EU says it will raise concerns about Syrian textbooks after a study alleged they promote jihad and antisemitic stereotypes. Damascus also plans its first nationwide map of mine-contaminated areas, as unexploded ordnance continues to endanger civilians. Regional Ties: Syrian officials are pursuing closer economic cooperation with Qatar, while Bahrain has reiterated support for Syria’s unity and sovereignty.

Israeli Incursions: Israeli forces are extending a military barrier across farmland in Quneitra, bulldozing olive groves and restricting farmers’ access. Damascus says the work violates the 1974 disengagement agreement. Israel Talks: As Israelis vote, Damascus is watching for any opening to resume negotiations, though analysts expect Israel’s security policy toward Syria to remain largely unchanged. Druze Tensions: US envoy Tom Barrack’s remarks about a Druze leader and armed groups in the south have stirred concern over Washington’s approach and the risk of sectarian violence. Domestic Governance: Revisions to Syrian schoolbooks have removed lessons on citizenship and political participation, while a separate investigation alleges officials helped coordinate online harassment of dissidents and women activists. Security: Two Syrian security personnel were killed in a raid on an Islamic State cell near Damascus, underscoring the government’s continuing security challenges.

Northern Security: Three civilians were wounded when gunmen opened fire near Fafin in Aleppo province; the attackers’ identities and motive remain unknown, and authorities have not commented. Transition and Justice: Syria’s debate over legalizing political parties highlights a central challenge: expanding competition while building institutions strong enough to prevent a new struggle for control of the state. Meanwhile, former Assad supporters are returning to public life and securing business deals, unsettling families still seeking answers and accountability. Southern Tensions: Protests have spread over Israeli incursions and the killing of a man with disabilities during a raid in Daraa, while Damascus has urged the UN to protect Syria from Israeli attacks. Druze Concerns: Druze experts condemned US envoy Tom Barrack’s remarks about the community, warning that accusations could deepen sectarian tensions.

Israeli Incursions: Protests spread across Syria after Israeli forces killed a man with Down syndrome during a raid in Daraa. Damascus urged the UN to protect Syrian sovereignty as Israeli forces also shelled Quneitra and advanced in the south. Sweida Standoff: Armed groups blocked the main highway linking Sweida and Damascus, with relatives demanding answers about detainees and missing people. The closure underscores the province’s unresolved political and security tensions with the central government. Accountability: A Damascus court sentenced former president Bashar al-Assad to death over orders linked to crimes against Syrians, a major test for the country’s post-Assad justice process. Security and Diplomacy: President Ahmed al-Sharaa met a US envoy to discuss security and regional developments, while Syrian and Jordanian foreign ministers held talks in Aqaba. Energy Recovery: Syria’s transitional government is taking control of major oil and gas sites as it seeks to rebuild the energy sector and revive the economy.

Israeli Incursions: Protests spread across Syria after Israeli forces killed a young man with a disability during a raid in Daraa. Damascus urged the UN to protect Syria from Israeli attacks as tensions rise in the south. Regional Diplomacy: Syria’s foreign minister met his Jordanian counterpart in Aqaba to discuss bilateral ties and regional developments; Damascus also condemned the deadly church attack in Jordan. Suwayda Tensions: A road linking the province with Damascus was blocked by families demanding the release of detainees, underscoring unresolved grievances after last year’s sectarian violence. Security and Accountability: Two Syrian security personnel were killed in an anti-ISIS raid near Damascus, while a Damascus court reportedly sentenced Bashar al-Assad to death over orders linked to crimes against Syrians.

Israeli Incursions: Protests spread across Syria after Israeli troops killed Muath al-Baeer, a man with Down syndrome, during a raid in Daraa. The UN condemned the killing, and Damascus says Israel’s incursions threaten Syrian sovereignty. Security: Two Syrian security personnel were killed and five injured in clashes with an ISIS cell near Damascus. Syria is also reportedly deploying 1,000 troops to the south amid Israeli actions. Accountability: A Damascus court sentenced Bashar al-Assad to death over orders linked to crimes against Syrians. Regional Ties: Jordan’s king met Syria’s foreign minister in Aqaba, as the two governments discussed strategic cooperation and regional developments.

Southern Front: Israeli artillery struck the outskirts of two villages in Quneitra as forces advanced in the province, amid continued incursions. Hundreds of Syrians protested across the country after an Israeli raid in Daraa killed a civilian with a disability; the UN condemned the killing and called on Israel to respect Syria’s sovereignty. Security: Two Syrian security personnel were killed and five injured in clashes with an ISIS cell in the Damascus countryside, according to reports on the operation. Diplomacy: President Ahmed al-Sharaa met US envoy Tom Barrack to discuss security and regional developments, while Syria’s foreign minister held talks with Jordanian and Emirati counterparts. Jordan’s king also reiterated his rejection of Israeli attacks on Syrian territory. Justice: A Damascus court sentenced Bashar al-Assad to death over orders linked to crimes against Syrians, a major development in the country’s efforts to pursue accountability.

Southern Syria: Damascus says it has reinforced Sweida with about 1,000 troops as Israeli activity raises fears of a wider escalation. Claims that Israel is moving equipment into the province to establish a base remain disputed. In Daraa, Israeli forces killed Muath Salama al-Baeer, a civilian with a disability; a UN envoy condemned the killing and urged respect for Syria’s sovereignty. Security: Two Syrian security officers were killed and five wounded in a raid on an ISIS-linked cell near Damascus, underscoring the threat facing the new government. Political Dialogue: Kurdish National Council and Syriac Union representatives called for stronger cooperation and protections for Syria’s diverse communities. President Ahmad al-Sharaa also met US envoy Tom Barrack to discuss security and regional developments. Recovery: Syria and the World Bank have agreed to establish a fund for reconstruction, a key step as the government seeks to rebuild the country’s economy.

Security: Syrian authorities said two security officers were killed and five wounded in a raid on a suspected ISIL cell near Damascus; the Interior Ministry reported five suspects killed and six arrested. Separately, a landmine blast injured Syrian soldiers during clearance work in Raqqa. Southern Syria: Israeli forces killed Muath al-Baeer, a man with Down syndrome, during a raid in Daraa, according to Syrian state media and residents. Israel said troops fired after he approached them and that the incident is under review. Syrian media also reported Israeli forces demolished a house in Quneitra and fired on farmland. Diplomacy: US envoy Tom Barrack met President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani in Damascus to discuss regional stability, a day after Barrack called for Israel to stop its operations in Syria. Jordan’s king also received Syria’s foreign minister in Aqaba for talks. Transition: Damascus has referred ousted leader Bashar al-Assad’s case and other fugitive defendants’ files to Interpol, following in-absentia convictions. Syria’s People’s Assembly is also advancing reforms covering employment, criminal law, property and national security.

Southern Syria: Israeli forces killed a man with disabilities during a raid in Daraa’s Jamlah village, where troops searched homes and fired in residential areas. Israeli incursions and drone attacks on security posts are adding to pressure on the country’s fragile security. Damascus’ Agenda: The People’s Assembly is advancing legal reforms, including repeal of a property law and changes to employment, penal and national-security rules. Regional Ties: Iraq’s prime minister is expected to visit Syria next week to discuss reviving the Kirkuk–Baniyas oil pipeline, border security and religious tourism. Diplomacy and Recovery: US envoy Tom Barrack held talks with President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Syria and regional stability, as Washington has urged Israel to halt its operations. Syria and the World Bank have also agreed to establish a reconstruction fund.

Southern Syria: Israeli forces advanced with seven military vehicles and two tanks into Quneitra, taking positions near the former governorate headquarters. Damascus says the incursions violate its sovereignty; US envoy Tom Barrack has urged Israel to halt its operations. Regional Ties: President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan says preparations are underway for his first Damascus visit since Bashar al-Assad’s ouster in 2024. Ankara, meanwhile, says its troops will remain in Syria and Iraq until border security is assured. Iraq’s prime minister is also expected to visit Syria next week. Accountability and Recovery: Syria has made its first DNA-based identifications of missing war victims, offering hope to families still seeking answers. In Aleppo, courts handed down death sentences in trials over violence that killed hundreds. The EU also welcomed Syria’s continued cooperation with the chemical weapons watchdog.

Israel-Syria Tensions: US envoy Tom Barrack urged Israel to halt military operations, saying President Ahmed al-Sharaa is ready for a non-aggression deal. Damascus says any agreement must include an Israeli withdrawal to the 1974 lines, as Israeli forces continue incursions in Quneitra. Turkish Presence: Ankara says its troops will remain in Syria until border security is assured and state authority is established nationwide. Missing Persons: Syria’s first DNA-based identifications have given families new hope, though as many as 300,000 people remain unaccounted for. Displacement: About 600 families are preparing to return to Ras al-Ain and nearby areas, with monitors calling for safe returns and protection of homes and services. Education: A new study says post-Assad textbooks promote Islamist ideology and jihad; the analyzed books remain in use this school year.

Israel-Syria Relations: US envoy Tom Barrack said President Ahmed al-Sharaa is ready to normalize ties with Israel, while urging an end to Israeli attacks and a turn toward dialogue. Border Security: Israeli forces advanced into Quneitra with tanks and military vehicles, blocking a road and preventing residents from returning home. Türkiye says its troops will remain in Syria until border security is assured and state authority is established nationwide. Economic Recovery: J.P. Morgan helped Syria secure its first letter of credit in 14 years, enabling a Saudi Aramco fuel deal; Syria and the World Bank also agreed to establish a recovery and reconstruction fund. Accountability: Courts in Aleppo handed down verdicts in trials over coastal massacres, including death sentences for violence that killed hundreds. Kurdish Politics: Kurdish parties in Qamishli discussed preparations for a Kurdish National Council conference and called for a stronger role for the council in Damascus.

Government Shake-Up: President Ahmed al-Sharaa restored a separate Industry and Domestic Trade Ministry, reversing part of last year’s consolidation. The decree leaves unclear how the ministry will coordinate with the Economy Ministry. Reconstruction: Syria and the World Bank agreed to establish a recovery and rebuilding fund, as Damascus seeks financing for the country’s recovery. Southern Border: Syria condemned Israeli incursions in Quneitra and Daraa and urged UN monitors to document them, while a Syrian official warned of a possible Israeli-backed Druze offensive in Sweida. Education and Integration: A new study says revised textbooks promote Islamist identity and sideline minorities. Meanwhile, the YPJ says its future role remains unsettled as talks continue over integration into state security forces. Energy Links: Qatar’s proposed Lebanon power plan would route LNG through the Arab Gas Pipeline via Syria and include electricity imports from Syria, pending government approval. US Protections: Washington ended temporary deportation protections for Syrians, even as Ukrainians and Sudanese received a reprieve.

Israeli Incursions: Damascus condemned intensified Israeli operations in Quneitra and Daraa, saying they violate Syria’s sovereignty and hinder reconstruction; Türkiye’s Erdoğan also accused Israel of stirring unrest in Syria. Reconstruction: Syria and the World Bank agreed to establish a recovery fund, with the Bank coordinating donors and financing around government priorities. Education and Identity: A review of 130 textbooks says the post-Assad curriculum replaces Ba’athist nationalism with Islamist framing, elevates jihad and Sunni identity, and sidelines minorities—raising questions about pluralism and rights. Accountability: The arrest of Ali Kayali over the 2013 Baniyas massacres, alongside death sentences linked to coastal violence, puts transitional justice in focus as rights groups warn against selective accountability.

Reconstruction: Syria and the World Bank agreed to establish a multi-donor fund for recovery, infrastructure and institutional support, with concessional financing and investment guarantees. Finance Minister Yisr Barnieh said Damascus is also exploring sovereign bonds next year. Israeli Incursions: Israeli forces reportedly advanced with tanks and vehicles in Daraa and Quneitra and set up a checkpoint. Damascus condemned the incursions, urged international action and called for Israel to withdraw to the 1974 disengagement lines and allow UN monitors to fulfil their mandate. Economic Leadership: President Ahmed al-Sharaa appointed Maher Khalil al-Hassan to lead the Syrian Petroleum Corporation and Omar Samer al-Halabi to chair the Sovereign Wealth Fund, amid scrutiny of the fuel sector. Suweida Dialogue: The provincial governor renewed calls for inclusive talks with Damascus, citing unresolved displacement, missing people, accountability and public services. Accountability: Syria’s intelligence directorate announced the arrest of Ali Kayali, accused of involvement in the 2013 Baniyas massacres.