The Syrian Observer

Joel Rayburn: Veteran Diplomat and Strategist Nominated Anew with an Unwavering Vision for Syria

Jamal al-Sharaa: The Brother Who Tested the Boundaries of Power

Sipan Hamo: From PKK Cadre to Deputy Minister of Defense for Eastern Syria

New Details Emerge in the Eli Cohen Espionage Case in Syria

Attempted Kidnapping of Former Syrian Official in Jbeil

Leaked Syrian Intelligence Files Expose Iran and Hezbollah’s Expanding Influence Over Pro‑Assad Militias

Conflicting Reports Emerge Over Possible Syrian Military Role in Yemen

Syria and Jordan Sign 11 Cooperation Agreements; Shibani Denies Syrian Deployment in Yemen

Damascus Outlines Military Cooperation With Saudi Arabia and Denies Troop Deployment to Yemen

A senior Saudi official told the agency that the exchange of expertise is intended to support the restructuring of Syria’s armed forces.

Syria and the Ordeal of Citizenship

What meaning can a new Syria claim if women are expected to share equally in its sacrifices and obligations, only to find themselves treated as second‑class citizens when it comes to their rights?

Disinformation Campaigns Target Syria With Rumors of Relocating the Capital and Evacuating State Institutions

Shaam News Network has recently tracked a surge in social media activity promoting misleading claims about Syria’s military, security and administrative affairs.

Damascus Fears the Fallout from Trump’s Electoral Defeat

Should the Democrats eventually regain the White House, they are unlikely to reverse course entirely in their dealings with Sharaa.

From Quneitra to the Yarmouk Basin: How Israeli Incursions Are Reshaping Daily Life in Southern Syria

Data compiled by the Sijill Center highlight the expanding scope of Israeli activity in southern Syria in recent months.

Why is Hezbollah planning attacks on Syria?

The post Why is Hezbollah planning attacks on Syria? first appeared on The Syrian Observer .

Israel Expands Footprints in South Near Water Sources

Israeli have begun to raise questions about the place of water in calculations of regional influence, al-Hal Net writes.

Unemployment, Poverty and Rising Prices: Syrians’ Top Concerns in a New Survey

Unemployment, poverty, the rising cost of services and price control remain among the main issues identified by participants, Shaam writes.

Saudi Arabia Injects USD 403 Million into Syrian Projects… Why Are the Loans Concessional?

The funding is divided among six main projects. The post Saudi Arabia Injects USD 403 Million into Syrian Projects… Why Are the Loans Concessional? first appeared on The Syrian Observer .

After the Democrats’ Win… Will Washington’s Policy Toward Damascus Change?

The relations between the two countries remain centered on security files, foremost among them intelligence cooperation and counterterrorism.

For the Second Time in a Month, Sharaa Meets Bin Salman in Riyadh to Advance Bilateral Cooperation

The Syrian Presidency announced across its official platforms that the meeting took place in the presence of several ministers and senior officials from both countries.

Can Syria Turn Diplomatic Breakthroughs into Economic Recovery?

Recent political advances have enabled Damascus to restore key international ties and create openings for investment and funding, al-Hal Net writes.

What Will Become of Turkey’s Military Bases and Observation Posts in Syria?

An investigation by journalists from Daraj and SIRAJ has identified 37 Turkish military bases and observation posts across rural areas of Aleppo, Idlib, Hama and Latakia.

Tom Barrack Meets Alawite Figures on Syria’s Coast to Discuss Rights, Security, and Economic Conditions

Attendees stressed the need to address kidnapping cases with seriousness and to allow international human rights organizations to support victims

Oil Pipelines and Border Fire: Zaidi’s Visit Tests the Iraqi–Syrian Partnership

Syrian President Ahmad al‑Sharaa received al‑Zaidi and his delegation at Damascus International Airport for a visit that extends beyond routine diplomacy

Syria Foils Plot Targeting Homs Refinery, Accuses Hezbollah

Syria’s Internal Security Forces announced on Tuesday that they had foiled a plot to bomb the Homs oil refinery, accusing a cell linked to the Lebanese militia Hezbollah of planning the attack.

Syria Launches US‑Backed Project to Digitise Company Registration

Syria has launched a US‑backed project to modernise and digitise company registration, part of a broader effort to reduce bureaucratic hurdles, attract investment and strengthen the country’s administrative institutions.

Syria Seeks Strategic Partnerships with China and a Private‑Sector‑Led Economy

Syrian‑Chinese Economic Development Forum in Damascus is part of broader Syrian efforts to expand economic cooperation with China following a series of meetings and agreements between trade chambers and business councils in both countries.

Beijing Holds the Key to Syria’s Pakistani Arms Push

Sharaa reportedly asked the Crown Prince to intervene with Pakistan to speed up arms supplies and enable direct purchase agreements between Damascus and Islamabad.

Beijing Holds the Key to Syria’s Pakistani Arms Push

Sharaa reportedly asked the Crown Prince to intervene with Pakistan to speed up arms supplies and enable direct purchase agreements between Damascus and Islamabad.

Surge in Syrian Public Sector Work Hours: Employees Fear Impact on Incomes and Families

An employee told Syria TV that extended hours pose a direct threat to his evening job, which he relies on to supplement his primary income.

Surge in Syrian Public Sector Work Hours: Employees Fear Impact on Incomes and Families

An employee told Syria TV that extended hours pose a direct threat to his evening job, which he relies on to supplement his primary income.

Central Bank Governor Discusses Reconnecting Syria to the European Banking System in Paris

Governor Raslan reaffirmed Syria’s commitment to building a more transparent, resilient, and internationally compliant financial system.

Syrian Political Decision-Making: Between Power, Constraint, and Pragmatism

At present, Syrian political decision-making operates under a policy of shock absorption and damage mitigation, Firas Allawi writes in al-Thawra.

Testimonies Reveal Abuse of Syrian Detainees in Israeli Prisons After Ground Incursions

The disciplinary system governed even the smallest details of daily life, with minor infractions routinely triggering violence.

European Maps Show Rising Soil Moisture Across Syria, Heightening Flash Flood Concerns

The ministry stated that mapping based on data from 1 November 2026 revealed varying moisture levels across Syrian regions.

Damascus Explores Joining the “Mecca Pact” and Moves to Resolve Disputes with Jordan

Shibani urged Israel to engage with Syria as a stable and sovereign state that will not compromise on its rights

“Voluntary Return” Within Syria Means Moving from One Tent to Another

Displacement has been one of Syria’s most complex challenges since the revolution began, with an estimated fourteen million people uprooted.

Barrack’s Warning on Syrian Investment: Economic Reality or Political Messaging?

Economic researcher Yahya al‑Sayyed Omar argues that Barrack’s description of investment as “nearly impossible” should not be interpreted as a definitive market assessment.

Security Source to Ultra Syria: Tunisians and Uzbeks Detained in Idlib Countryside Over Suspected Extremist Links

In a related operation, security forces conducted a targeted sweep in the town of Kafriya, also in the Idlib countryside, detaining several Uzbek nationals.

Jordan Launches Strikes in Syria After Deadly Church Attack

The post Jordan Launches Strikes in Syria After Deadly Church Attack first appeared on The Syrian Observer .

Rights Report: Transitional Justice in Syria Faces Accountability Gaps and Excludes Victims of Islamist Groups

Although the National Commission for Transitional Justice was established by presidential decree in May 2025 and conducted field consultations across 12 governorates, the report says its work remains hampered by institutional obstacles.

Damascus and Baghdad Discuss Reviving the Kirkuk–Baniyas Pipeline and Expanding Security Cooperation

Zaidi visited the Sayyida Zeinab Shrine and the Umayyad Mosque following his official talks.

President Sharaa Opens Up to Iraqi Media

On security, border management and counter‑terrorism, Sharaa said Damascus has maintained a clear and consistent policy: the state must hold the exclusive monopoly on armed force.

Deadly Flash Floods Paralyze Eastern Syria: 15 Rescued, Hundreds Evacuated Across Six Provinces

Responders conducted 165 field interventions across Aleppo, Raqqa, Deir ez‑Zor, Hama, Homs and Lattakia.

Talks Between President Sharaa and Zaidi at the People’s Palace in Damascus

President Sharaa stressed that economic ties form the historical backbone of Syrian‑Iraqi relations and called for their development to ensure sustainable cooperation resilient to political fluctuations.

Syria at the UN Security Council: Empowering Women and Including Them in Decision‑Making Is Essential for Building Peace and the State

Osman noted that the Syrian government is working to expand women’s roles across state institutions and is preparing a national plan for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325

Daraa Airstrikes Put Syrian-Jordanian Relations to a Difficult Test

Amid domestic pressure in Jordan and suspicions of misleading intelligence, calls are growing for a transparent investigation that safeguards Syrian sovereignty and protects the partnership between the two countries, the state-owned al-Thawra writes.

The Girl Who Stepped Out of the Book

The most direct form of alteration is deletion, Rweida Kanaan writes in Al-Thawra.

Syria and Accession to the “Mecca Alliance”: Strategic Gains and Potential Roles

Political analyst Abdullah al‑Hamad believes Damascus is seriously pursuing accession, noting that the issue featured prominently in President Sharaa’s meeting with Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman.

French Jihadist Shot Dead in Harem Amid Escalating Tensions with Syrian Authorities

Syrian authorities have not issued any official clarification regarding these movements.

Syria Condemns Jordanian Airstrikes on Daraa and Proposes Joint Security Committee to Prevent Further Violations

The Syrian People’s Assembly also issued a statement condemning the strikes and urging both governments to launch a joint investigation.

Syrian Energy Deals Spark Debate Over Sovereign Ownership of New Power Plants

Energy specialists note that adopting a BOO model does not automatically diminish state authority.

What Are Our Children Learning in School After the Liberation?

These curricular changes raise profound questions about who holds the authority to write national history, Abdulrahman al‑Hajj writes in the state-owned Al-Thawra.

Jordan Defends Cross-Border Strikes in Syria, Calls for Closer Security Cooperation

Addressing the civilian casualties reported in southern Syria, an official source stated that the unintended deaths occurred when shockwaves from the strike reached a nearby tent housing relatives of an ISIS operative.

Syrian School Curricula: Between Educational Reform and Ideological Control

Revisions to several school textbooks for the 2026–2027 academic year have triggered widespread criticism.

ISIS Recedes Under Pressure from Intensified Syrian Preemptive Operations

ISIS, which relies heavily on mobility across the vast Syrian Badia, appears to be facing operational limitations.

Israeli Incursions in Syria: Security Pretexts at the Center of Israel’s Electoral Debate

Netanyahu continues to frame Israeli operations inside Syria as essential measures to protect national security

In a National First: Syria Prepares to Launch Interactive Landmine Map

Saleh said the National Mine Action Center is implementing a three‑year strategic framework for mine action, designed to strengthen national capabilities and accelerate the removal of explosive remnants of war.

Following News of His Arrest: Ambiguity Surrounds the Record of Yahya al‑Assad

Yahya, born in 1966, had engaged in an early rivalry with Bassel al‑Assad, the eldest son of Hafez and Bashar’s older brother, before Bassel died in a 1994 car crash.

Following News of His Arrest: Ambiguity Surrounds the Record of Yahya al‑Assad

Yahya, born in 1966, had engaged in an early rivalry with Bassel al‑Assad, the eldest son of Hafez and Bashar’s older brother, before Bassel died in a 1994 car crash.

Barak’s Remarks Ignite Debate Over U.S. Policy in Southern Syria and the Boundaries of Israeli Support

The envoy's statements have raised pressing questions about whether they signal a genuine shift in United States policy toward Suweida, Syria TV writes.

Damascus Awaits Israel’s Elections: Could the Course of Negotiations Change?

Many specialists in Israeli affairs argue that the election results are unlikely to produce a substantive shift in the trajectory of negotiations between Israel and the government of Syrian President Ahmad al‑Sharaa.

Coordinated Online Campaigns Target Syrian Dissidents and Female Activists

A joint investigation by Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism (ARIJ) and the “Women Who Won the War” platform has uncovered a pattern of coordinated digital campaigns targeting Syrian dissidents, female journalists, and women activists throughout 2025 and 2026.

Controversy Deepens Over Syrian Curriculum Revisions: Women’s Imagery, the Arts, and Citizenship Lessons Removed

Recent changes have prompted renewed scrutiny of the Ministry of Education’s criteria for curriculum review and the extent of its authority over content, al-Hal writes.

Syrian Foreign Minister Meets King of Bahrain, Discusses Bilateral Cooperation and Revival of Joint Committee

The meeting addressed avenues to strengthen joint cooperation across various sectors, issues of mutual concern, and the latest regional and international developments.

Syrian FM says country has handed over chemical weapons sites information to international watchdog

The post Syrian FM says country has handed over chemical weapons sites information to international watchdog first appeared on The Syrian Observer .

Security Forces Launch Counter‑Terror Operation Against ISIS Cell in Rankous; Fatalities Reported

Sources confirmed to Zaman Al-Wasl that two officers were killed and five others wounded in clashes with the militants.

Shibani Meets King Abdallah, Reaffirms Commitment to Suweida Roadmap, Condemns Israeli Strikes in Southern Syria

Shibani underscored Syria’s firm opposition to ongoing Israeli strikes in southern Syria, Syria TV writes.

Where Has the Liquidity Gone? Who Is Withholding Billions from the Syrian Economy?

Amid an intensifying liquidity crunch that continues to weigh on Syrian markets, economic expert George Khuzam has raised pointed questions about the fate of the capital urgently needed to revive domestic production and strengthen consumer purchasing power.

Suspended Lives: Syrians Confront Denmark’s “Zero Asylum” Reality

Human rights lawyer Mohammad Yahya Al‑Hijazi explains to Al-Thawra that Denmark’s policy shift marks a fundamental transformation.

Raqqa Journalist Says He Was Interrogated by Internal Security Officer

Syrian journalist Ammar Hamidi said he was summoned on Tuesday to the Internal Security Command in Raqqa, where a masked officer conducted what he described as an interrogation disguised as an introductory meeting.

Fact‑Check: Are Israeli Military Cargoes and a New Base Emerging in Syria’s Suweida?

Over the past two weeks, social media accounts and several news outlets have promoted reports of an Israeli logistics channel supplying Hikmat al‑Hijri’s self‑styled “National Guard” militia.

President Sharaa Meets Special Envoy Barrack at the People’s Palace, Joined by Foreign Minister

The Presidency said the discussions aimed to advance shared interests and reinforce security and stability.

Syrian People’s Assembly Advances Legislative Overhaul: Employment, Penal, Property, and National Security Reforms

The Syrian People’s Assembly has taken significant steps toward dismantling discriminatory statutes and modernizing the country’s legal framework, al-Thawra writes.

Hama Judiciary Detains Six Former Regime Officials, Including Brigadier General Abdul Hakim Wannous

Judicial officials noted that interrogations are underway The post Hama Judiciary Detains Six Former Regime Officials, Including Brigadier General Abdul Hakim Wannous first appeared on The Syrian Observer .

Drone Attack Targets Internal Security Post in Suweida amid Regional Escalations

A drone strike hit an Internal Security Forces outpost in the western countryside of Suweida early Wednesday, in an attack attributed to militia factions aligned with the “National Guard” led by Sheikh Hikmat al‑Hijri.

Syria Splits Industry from Economy Ministry in Latest Government Shake‑Up

The decision comes at a moment when Syria is struggling to revive its industrial base, attract capital and restore economic activity after years of conflict, sanctions and widespread destruction.

Former “Hurras al‑Din” Commander Arrested in Idlib

Clashes broke out along the Sheikh Idris road, resulting in the deaths of two members of the group.

Syria’s Coastal Massacres: Justice Reaches the Killers, but Will It Reach Their Commanders?

As Syrian courts begin handing down sentences, a larger question remains: will accountability extend to the military leadership responsible for the forces involved?

Three Scenarios: How Might Israel’s Syria Policy Shift After the Elections?

Three broad scenarios emerge when assessing how Israel’s policy toward Syria could evolve following the Knesset elections, Iyad al-Jaafari writes for Syria TV.

Two Presidential Decrees Reshuffle Leadership of Syria’s Petroleum Corporation and Sovereign Wealth Fund

Syrian President Ahmed al‑Sharaa issued Presidential Decrees No. 190 and 191 on Sunday, appointing new heads to two of the country’s most influential economic institutions: the Syrian Petroleum Corporation and the Syrian Sovereign Wealth Fund.

Syria’s Shibani Demands Israeli Withdrawal and Return to 1974 Disengagement Lines

Shibani highlighted Syria’s return to regional diplomacy following the restoration of its OIC membership on 7 March 2025.

Renewed Calls for Dialogue in Suweida: Is a Political Settlement Within Reach?

Suweida Governor Mustafa al‑Bakkour has renewed his call for a serious and inclusive dialogue between the Syrian government and the residents of the province, Syria TV writes.

Syria Explores Sovereign Bond Issuance and Launch of Infrastructure Recovery Fund

Barniya stated that the government is coordinating with the World Bank and several donor countries to create a multilateral trust fund aimed at financing early recovery and infrastructure rehabilitation.

The Long Hunt for Ali Kayali: How Syrian Intelligence Closed In

The breakthrough comes as the General Intelligence Directorate, led by Major General Abdul Qader Tahan since his appointment on 19 July, continues to define its new institutional identity and operational doctrine.

Beyond a Mere Road: How Israel Consolidates Control through “Sofa 53”

The region has witnessed rapid construction of miniature military bases, persistent incursions, raids and detentions.

After Netanyahu Claims he Held a Phone Call with Sharaa, Syria Says it “Thwarted Plans” to Destabilize the Country

Damascus continues to work with the United States and Jordan on implementing the trilateral roadmap to reintegrate Suweida into the Syrian state, Syria TV writes.

‘Butcher of Baniyas’ Arrested: Mihraç Ural Captured During Attempted Border Infiltration

Ali Kayali, widely known by the alias Mihraç Ural, was arrested by the General Intelligence Directorate during an attempted border infiltration.

Syrian Petroleum Company Contracts Under Scrutiny: What We Know About the $104 Million Audit

The debate began with reports of financial irregularities in multiple oil‑sector contracts.

Syrian Foreign Minister Arrives in Riyadh for Official Visit to Strengthen Bilateral Relations

Shibani’s trip comes shortly after President Ahmad al‑Sharaa’s visit to Riyadh on October 6.

Syrian‑Swedish Talks Focus on Supporting the Stability and Reintegration of Voluntary Returnees

The delegation was led by Kjell Terje Torvik of the Swedish Migration Agency. The post Syrian‑Swedish Talks Focus on Supporting the Stability and Reintegration of Voluntary Returnees first appeared on The Syrian Observer .

Syrian court sentences two to death over 2025 coastal massacres

The post Syrian court sentences two to death over 2025 coastal massacres first appeared on The Syrian Observer .

Syrian Defence Minister and OPCW Chief Discuss Final Steps to Close Chemical Weapons File

The foreign minister stressed that closing the chemical weapons file requires more than technical compliance.

Tensions Rise in Hassakeh After Protests Demand Restoration of State Authority

Ibrahim Haj Halabi, a journalist from Hassakeh, described the atmosphere as charged with public frustration following demonstrations demanding the return of Syrian state institutions.

Syria Steps Up European Economic Engagement with EBRD Membership Bid and German Business Talks

Syria is accelerating its re‑entry into the global financial system and expanding economic ties with Europe, advancing both a formal bid for multilateral development bank membership and targeted investment outreach in Germany.

Why Syria Should Avoid the Conflict in Yemen

This analysis should not be interpreted as opposition to strengthening Syrian‑Saudi relations, Marwan Kabalan writes.

Syria Denies Aleppo Attacks After Deadly Patrol Ambush

The Media Department of the Syrian Ministry of Interior issued a formal statement dismissing circulating reports of armed assaults on security and military positions in rural Aleppo.

Syrian Lawmakers Move to Scrap Long‑Standing Ban on Muslim Brotherhood

Uncertainty also persists over whether Law No. 49 was effectively nullified when the “Victory Conference” announced the suspension of emergency and exceptional legislation on January 29, 2025.

Property Hoarding in Syria: Why Has Land Become More Attractive Than Factories?

Decisions about where investment should go will help determine the kind of economy that emerges from reconstruction, Syria TV writes.

Syria and Jordan Foreign Ministers Discuss Bilateral Ties and Regional Developments

The conversation comes amid continued diplomatic engagement between Damascus and Amman aimed at harmonising positions on regional issues of mutual concern, al-Thawra writes.

Germany Revokes Refugee Status for Select Syrians, Citing Post‑Conflict Return Possibilities

While acknowledging ongoing socio‑economic hardships in Syria — including food shortages, high living costs, and housing deficits — BAMF maintained that return is "possible in principle."