01.09.25 – 07.09.25

On September 2, 2025, renewed talks aiming at integrating eastern Syria into the new government took place: Ilham Ahmad, a key Kurdish negotiator, met with the Syrian Foreign Minister Assaad al-Shibani. This meeting was described as having a positive atmosphere, marking a shift from previous tensions. This discussion highlights that negotiations are still in progress, although they continue to be impacted by various recent developments and international actors seeking to assert and protect their interests:

Erdogan and Bahceli declarations
In a press conference, Erdogan reaffirmed Turkey’s support the Syrian transitional government, stating, “Turkey will not abandon Syria.” He warned that anyone attempting to undermine this process would “pay the price.”
Making echo to those statements, Devlet Bahceli, a nationalist politician leader close to Erdogan, threatened the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) of military operation on North Eastern Syria. He insisted that the SDF must comply with the March 10 agreement for integration into the Syrian Ministry of Defense (MoD) or face a joint Turkish-Syrian military intervention. He described SDF proposals for federalism as a significant security threat and accused them of aligning with the United States and Israel.

Efforts US to facilitate negocations
US is attempting to bridge the gap between the SDF and the Syrian government: its focus is put on supporting the integration of parts of the SDF into the Syrian army while allowing some Kurdish forces to remain under their leadership. The Kurdish negotiator Ilham Ahmad has met with US lawmakers and will travel to Damascus for further talks. While the US is softening its stance on SDF demands for decentralization, it still insists on concessions from them.

Clashes SDF – MoD
Clashes between SDF and MoD forces took place on the 31st and on th 2nd of September in the region of Raqqa and Aleppo. In both cases, the clashes resulted of reconnaissance mission carried out by SDF. An small attack from the factions supported by Turkey was also repelled in Cizire front.

Kurdish neighborhoods in Aleppo under siege – negociations
Last week, armed factions have been mobilizing their forces around Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh. The two kurdish majority neighborhoods of Aleppo experienced a state of siege as factions coming from Aleppo and Afrin that do not operate under the Syrian MoD established dozens of positions around the neighborhoods.
This is a violation of the ceasefire agreements signed the first of April that aimed, among other things, at restoring the right to free movement between the Kurdish neighborhoods and the rest of Aleppo.
To address the situation, officials from the Autonomous Administration, a military officer from the SDF, and a government delegation composed of officers and official representatives held a meeting. During the meeting, it was agreed to halt escalation, stop the buildup of forces around the neighborhoods, and hold regular meetings to follow developments and stabilize the area.

Curriculum changes in NES
The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) has banned the use of Damascus-issued curricula in all public and private schools in the region. This decision has been conveyed to school administrations and will soon be the subject of an official statement from the AANES.
A senior AANES educational official confirmed the ban, which reflects ongoing tensions with the Syrian government over educational policies. The move aims to establish a distinct educational framework that aligns with AANES governance and identity.

STG delegation Serekaniye
A delegation from the Syrian transitional government, led by the Deputy Minister of Interior, visited the Turkish-occupied city of Serekaniye to activate the local internal security apparatus. During this visit, officials agreed to recruit 300 new security personnel, with only 70 coming from Serekaniye and the remainder from other Syrian cities, including the Deir ez-Zor region. The delegation entered through Turkey and collected documentation for the new recruits to be reviewed in Damascus. A similar visit was also conducted in Tel Abyad to enhance security in both areas.
The Syrian government’s efforts to strengthen its security presence in Turkish-occupied regions aim to reassert control and influence over areas previously administered by the SDF. This recruitment of security personnel signals the government’s intent to integrate these regions into its security framework. Additionally, it poses further obstacles to the return of the Kurdish population displaced during the Turkish operations that led to the occupation of Serekaniye. These actions directly contradict the March 10 agreement, which stipulates that joint security arrangements between the SDF and Syrian government forces must be established to facilitate the return of displaced individuals to their homes.

25.08.25 – 31.08.25

IDF operations on Syrian soil
In the past week, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out multiple airstrikes targeting Ministry of Defense personnel in various locations within the Damascus countryside. These strikes were aimed at preventing MoD forces from seizing Israeli surveillance and listening devices. The IDF executed at least 13 additional airstrikes on the Jabal Manea Syrian military base, likely intending to eliminate any remaining equipment. Subsequently, four IDF helicopters deployed a ground team to the base to recover or destroy any leftover equipment.
Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey have condemned Israel’s recent military incursions into Syrian territory, urging respect for Syria’s sovereignty and regional stability.
On Thursday, Benjamin Netanyahu announced that his government is working to establish a “demilitarized zone” in southern Syria, including the Suweida Governorate, and indicated that negotiations are currently underway to achieve this objective.
Israel’s recent military actions in Syria are part of a specific policy aimed at maintaining instability in Syria by imposing certain military realities: a doctrine of “negotiations under fire.” Israel’s actions are designed to prevent Syria’s political and economic recovery, focusing on measures that exacerbate the crisis. For example, Israel aims to exploit Syria’s instability to impose its will by creating a buffer zone and instrumentalizing tensions between ethnic groups like the Druze, Kurds, Alawites and the Syrian Transitional Government.
This apporach is motivated by fears regarding a potential Turkish-Arab role that could strengthen the Syrian state and alter the regional power balance.

The Syrian transitional government will hold its first parliamentary elections
The Supreme Committee for People’s Assembly Elections of the Syrian transitional government has announced significant developments: the government will conduct its first parliamentary elections through provincial subcommittees from September 15 to 20. The Committee also stated that elections in the provinces of Suwayda, Raqqa, and Hasakah will be postponed due to the government’s lack of control in these areas.
In a statement, the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) underscored the necessity for a comprehensive national project that includes all citizens. They asserted that “these elections are neither democratic nor reflective of the will of the Syrian people in any form, but rather a continuation of the marginalization and exclusion that Syrians have suffered for the past 62 years under Ba’ath rule.”
The scheduling of these elections, along with the postponement in regions governed by the AANES, occurs amid ongoing negotiations regarding the integration of the Autonomous Administration and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) within the framework of the Syrian state. Advocating for the integration of the North and East Syrian society into the Syrian state while simultaneously denying its residents the right to choose their representatives exemplifies the authoritarian practices that these so-called “democratic” elections are enforcing in Syria.

Relations AANES/SDF – Syrian Transitional Government
Despite various challenges affecting the negotiations between the revolutionary movement of NES and the Syrian government —such as Turkish interventionist politics, provocations and uncooperative stances from the Syrian authorities— discussions continue. On the 25th, a U.S. Senator, along with al-Sharaa and Mazloum Abdi, met in Damascus. The results of this meeting remain unclear.
The Syrian Transitional Government persists in its provocative tactics. Residents of Sheikh Maqsud and Asrafieh have been without fuel for over two weeks due to an embargo imposed by the Syrian government forces. Additionally, last week, SDF had to repel an attack by armed groups affiliated with the Damascus government in the countryside of Deir ez-Zor.

Anti-ISIS operation in Heseke – coalition SDF training
On Saturday, SDF launched a large-scale security operation in Hasakah city and surrounding areas to dismantle ISIS cells and networks. This operation was coordinated with the Internal Security Forces of North and East Syria (Asayish) and the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), with intelligence support from specialized Military Operations Teams (MOT).
The campaign aims to track down ISIS remnants, disrupt logistical networks, and prevent attacks on prisons.
As part of the operation, all entrances and exits to Hasakah were closed, and military vehicles were deployed throughout the city.

Attempts to revive the commune system in NES
For several years, the commune system in most regions of NES has been moderately active, primarily focusing on essential services like the distribution of bread and gas. However, in recent weeks, significant steps have been taken to revitalize this system: weekly meetings are now being held, committees have been reactivated, and various issues that would typically be addressed within the municipality are being discussed within the commune framework.
While it remains uncertain whether this initiative will be sustained, it gives a powerful demonstration of resilience: while surviving the Baath authoritarian regime and enduring attacks from Turkish forces, the revolutionary movement and the people of NES continue to uphold their commitment to developing a horizontal, multi-ethnic, and decentralized system of governance. Long live the Rojava Revolution!

18.08.25 – 24.08.25

Syrian Ministry of Defense declares preparing an offensive
Syrian security forces reported on August 16 that the Syrian Ministry of Defense (MoD) is planning an offensive to capture Raqqa and Deir ez Zor provinces. According to the declaration, the MoD has mobilized 50,000 troops near Palmyra, Homs Province, and is seeking assistance from local Arab tribes if the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) does not comply by October 2025. Similar recent reports from Turkish media indicate that Turkey and the Syrian transitional government are gearing up for an offensive in North-Eastern Syria. On August 14, Turkish sources claimed that a joint military operation is imminent.
It is unlikely that the Syrian transitional government is preparing for such offensive. Smaller movements of troops are most of the time reported by medias and social networks, and non of them confirms the allegation of the Syrian Security Forces. These reports aim at pressuring the SDF to integrate into the Syrian state and surrender its territory.

ISIS
In recent weeks, ISIS has significantly increased its attacks in regions controlled by the Syrian Transitional Government and the SDF, primarily targeting checkpoints. New tactics have also been observed: on the 22nd, two ISIS suicide bombers on a motorcycle launched an attack on a Government Security Service (GSS) checkpoint. The attackers intended for the first bomber to breach the checkpoint, allowing the second bomber to enter and detonate his vest among the remaining forces. One of the attackers was killed before he could detonate his explosive vest, preventing the planned attack from succeeding. Additionaly, on friday, Asayish also thwarted an escape attempt from a prison in Hasakah. The resurgence of terrorist islamist groups comes as a direct consequence of the instability resulting of the accession of the Transitional Government to power and of its politics targetting ethnic minorities.
Facing this resurgence, the transitional government, the SDF and the US army are multiplying the operations against ISIS. The last one took place in Idlib, on August 20th: the US army conducted an operation targeting Salah Noman, an ISIS leader allegidly responsible for activating ISIS cells in Syria.

Growing autonomous Druze militia in Suweida
The region of Suweida continues to experience tensions stemming from the massacres targeting the Druze community that occurred a month ago. In recent weeks, transitional government forces have repeatedly violated the ceasefire by attacking and bombing several Suweida villages.
In response to the government’s actions, around 30 Druze factions have merged to form the “National Guard Forces,” operating under the leadership of the Sheikh Hikhmat al Hijri. While more militias are joining his unified army, Hijri faces criticism from other groups within the Druze community, such as the “Dignity Men Movement,” which has stated that “Al-Hijri’s message carries destruction and devastation.” Hijri is a strong opponent of Al-Sharaa. At the beginning of the month, his political movement declared an autonomous Suweidawi government.
The formal establishment of this alliance among anti-government Druze militias, referred to as a “unified army,” poses a significant challenge to the Syrian government’s intentions to gradually incorporate Suweida into state institutions.

Syria – Israel
In the last week, Damascus and Til Aviv have been multiplying meetings:
On August 19, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al Shaibani, Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, and US Envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack met in Paris to discuss security arrangements for the Israel-Syria border. One of the topic discussed was an Israeli proposal to establish a humanitarian aid corridor from the Israeli border to Suweida City.
Additionally, on September 25, the Syrian and Israeli governments are set to sign a security agreement intended to ease longstanding tensions between the two nations. While this agreement will not be a peace treaty, it will focus on specific security arrangements, particularly in southern Syria.
Despite US efforts to foster dialogue and cooperation, relations between Israel and Syria remain tense. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are stationed in the Syrian part of the Golan Heights and conducted several operations last week targeting various villages in the western countryside of Quneitra.

04.08.25 – 10.08.25

“Unity of communities” conference
On August 8th, the DAANES hosted the “Unity of Position for the Components of Northeastern Syria” conference, which saw participation from over 400 representatives, including DAANES members, tribal leaders, religious figures, and various community representatives from across Syria. The attendees issued a statement advocating for a new democratic constitution that would ensure political pluralism, equitable participation of all Syrian communities in governance, and a decentralized system that respects the cultural and political diversity of northeastern Syria. Leaders from the Druze and Alawite communities emphasized that “Syria’s future can only be realized through dialogue among its components.”

Syrian Transitional government rejects the conference and withdraws from Paris talks
On August 9th, the Syrian Transitional Government announced its withdrawal from the Paris meeting, stating, “The SDF conference dealt a blow to the ongoing negotiation efforts; therefore, the government will not participate in any meetings scheduled in Paris.” The purpose of the Paris meeting was to facilitate discussions between the Transitional Government, the Syrian Democratic Forces, and some DAANES representatives.
In response to the conference a government representative remarked that “religious or national groups have the full right to express their political visions and establish their parties within national legal frameworks, provided that their activities are peaceful, do not involve armed conflict against the state, and do not impose their vision of the Syrian state.” He also urged the SDF to “seriously engage in implementing the March 10 agreement.”
The Damascus government’s opposition to the decentralized project advocated by DAANES at the conference is bolstered by support from the Turkish state.

Visit Turkish Foreign Minister in Damascus
In a meeting held in Damascus on August 7th, Syrian Foreign Minister Al-Shara and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan addressed the recent clashes between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the transitional government. They noted that “talks are expected to assess Turkey’s national security concerns stemming from northeast Syria, at a time when preserving Syria’s territorial integrity and unity is more important than ever.” The SDF has since held the Syrian government accountable for the escalation of tensions.
On August 9th, the SDF issued a statement highlighting ongoing violations of the ceasefire by factions supported by Turkey and operating under the Damascus Government. They called for an immediate cessation of these violations, urged international actors to monitor the situation, and reiterated their willingness to engage in dialogue.
The meeting also covered various topics, including bilateral relations, tensions between Syria and Israel, counter-terrorism cooperation, and efforts related to the reconstruction of Syria.

Anti-ISIS operations
In a statement aimed at recruiting new fighters from the hardline factions within Al-Shara’s coalition, ISIS accused Al-Shara of manipulating Sunni Bedouin fighters for his political agenda and then abandoning them to face “siege, betrayal, and displacement.” The statement condemned the involvement of the Syrian Transitional Government Forces in a US-led anti-ISIS operation in Al-Bab. Shortly after this statement was released, the Syrian Ministry of Interior conducted an operation that resulted in the arrest of a significant ISIS cell in northern Idlib.
On August 5th, Mazlum Abdi asserted that the SDF aims to conduct joint counter-ISIS operations with both the United States and the Syrian Transitional Government. He emphasized that the Syrian Transitional Government has a responsibility to join the fight against ISIS, particularly due to its relationship with the US.

Economic cooperation with Turkey
A delegation led by the Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry from the transitional government visited Ankara to discuss ways to enhance economic collaboration between Turkey and Syria. This visit ended with the establishment of the “Syrian-Turkish Economic Cooperation Council” in Ankara.
This cooperation comes at a crucial time as the Syrian Transitional Government aims to advance the country’s development. On Wednesday, Al-Sharaa unveiled 12 major infrastructure projects valued at $12 billion.

11.08.25 – 17.08.25

Turkey’s impact on the SDF – Syrian Transitional Government relations
On the 13th, Syrian and Turkish representatives met in Ankara. Several topics were discussed, among them, the military support from Turkey to the Syrian government. Turkish and Syrian defense officials signed a military training and “consultation” agreement. The growing Turkish military and economic support to Syria gives to Turkey leverage to push for its anti-SDF agenda. It is very likely that the Turkish officials put pressure on the Syrian Transitional Government to withdraw from the integration negotiations in Paris with the SDF, which directly undermines US policy objectives in Syria. On Thursday, the co-chair of the DEM Party, a pro-Kurdish political party in Turkey, denounced this interventionist politics. Talking about the Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, he stated “Hakan Fidan is not a member of the Syrian government, but all his work consists of obstructing the achievements of the Syrian Kurds”.
Nevertheless,the SDF and the transitional government have continued to make progress in negotiations over the integration agreement: on August 11th an SDF delegation arrived in Damascus.

Rising tensions between the SDF and the transitional government forces
On August 14th, the SDF engaged in clashes with Syrian Ministry of Defense forces across the Euphrates River in Deir ez Zor Province, following similar confrontations on August 12 in Aleppo Province. The SDF attributed these clashes to provocations from the MoD forces and warned that they would respond in legitimate self-defense if the attacks continued. Although these clashes are currently minor, they have the potential to escalate the conflict further if dialogue and diplomatic solutions encounter additional delays or obstacles.

Al Qaeda attempts to influence the Syrian Transitional Government
According to a recent statement from the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), some Al-Qaeda-aligned groups are operating with “some degree of autonomy” under the new Syrian government. Many Salafi-jihadi ideologues distanced themselves from President Ahmed al Shara because they viewed his governance and cooperation with the West as moderate politics. Because of this, the DIA believes that Al-Qaeda will likely attempt to influence the formation and policies of the Syrian government.
The presence of Sunni hardliners within the ruling coalition constrains the government’s ability to achieve its objectives. Shara has created a coalition that includes both former allies and adversaries of HTS, many of whom hold hardline views, although not all are Salafi-jihadist. The government faces the challenge of balancing the demands of these hardliners while answering to the expectations of its various international partners.

Islamist foreign fighters request for Syrian nationality
Foreign Islamists have requested Syrian citizenship from the transitional government, arguing that they deserve it for their role in helping Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS) oust the Assad regime. This petition could benefit thousands of foreigners from over a dozen countries, many of whom lack documentation and face severe consequences, including lengthy prison sentences or death, if they return home.
Some of these fighters are reported to have participated in the March coastal massacres targeting the Alawite community. Granting citizenship to these individuals would further demonstrate the al Sharaa government’s unwillingness to hold its forces accountable for past crimes.

Tribes announce a general mobilization against the SDF
From August 11 to 14, several clans and tribes in Deir ez Zor announced their mobilization against the SDF. The last major clash between the SDF and Arab tribes occurred two years ago when the SDF removed the head of the Deir ez Zor military council.

Emergency response underway as forest fires hit Latakia and Hama
Firefighting teams are currently battling forest fires in Latakia and Hama. The communities in southeastern Latakia are on high alert. Local residents, civil defense teams, and volunteers are collaborating in firefighting efforts. The fires pose a threat to vegetation, especially during the dry season.
A report from last month noted that over 10,000 hectares of forested and agricultural land have been destroyed in Latakia, affecting at least 28 sites and causing significant damage to homes and farms. The fires have forced more than 1,120 residents to evacuate, with around 5,000 people affected by smoke in Hama city and surrounding areas.

28.07.25 – 03.08.25

Suweida
The situation in Suweida province remains unstable, with the Syrian Transitional Government enforcing an embargo and controlling exits through new checkpoints. Civilians report being monitored by military personnel wearing ISIS patches. Tensions remain high, as clashes between Ministry of Defense (MoD) forces and Druze fighters occurred recently.
On the 1st, hundreds of citizens protested in Suweida, demanding the withdrawal of transitional government forces and condemning their repressive policies. They criticized the “Committee to Investigate the Truth,” suspecting it aims to absolve the government of responsibility for recent massacres. In response to the government’s lack of transparency, the Druze community established six committees focused on human rights, legal application, humanitarian support, and religious matters. Addressing the humanitarian crisis is essential, as the transitional government has failed to provide electricity to the region for over 17 days.

Thomas Barrack statement
U.S. envoy to Syria, Thomas Barrack, stated that the United States will not remove Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism without significant political changes in the Syrian Transitional Government politics. He called for a “military restructuring” to eliminate hardline elements. Barrack also addressed the assassination of a US citizen during recent events in Suweida, promising accountability for those responsible.
The Syrian Transitional Government faces pressure to prove its reliability to the international community, especially following recent massacres and its collaboration with jihadist tribes, which have raised concerns about the Ministry of Defense’s control over its forces. Regarding Israel, Barrack noted that no mutual understanding has been reached between Syria and Israel, hindering progress. US efforts to facilitate agreements have yielded little success, as Israel has targeted military sites linked to the transitional government three times in the past three weeks.

Syrian transitional government – SDF/DAANES
Discussions about integrating the Syrian Democratic Forces into the Syrian National Army are ongoing. Mazlum Abdi stated the SDF’s commitment to the March 10 agreements, acknowledging that implementation will take time. Tensions persist regarding the integration approach: the SDF prefers to join as a block to retain its structures, while Syrian transitional government officials advocate for individual integration, which would dismantle SDF structures and command.
The SDF remains skeptical due to the Syrian government’s treatment of minorities and the inclusion of armed groups in the Ministry of Defense that have previously committed atrocities against Kurds. French, US, and UK officials are mediating the talks, with a meeting scheduled in Paris between the SDF and the Syrian Transitional Government to discuss the implementation of the March 10 agreements and the SDF’s integration into the Syrian state.

Syrian parliament
Between September 15th and 20th, Syria will hold its first parliamentary elections. The number of seats have been elevated to 210 (against 150 before). A third will be directly elected by Al-Sharaa, while the rest will be elected by subcommittees constituted of members chosen by the transitional president. The electoral process will be monitored by communities and international organizations.
The Chairman of the Higher Committee for People’s Assembly Elections confirmed that provisions for women’s participation of at least 20% are included. The People’s Assembly is responsible for proposing, adopting, and amending laws according to the Syrian Constitutional Declaration. However, it is questionable how effectively this body could challenge or oppose laws proposed by Al-Sharaa.

Syrian transitional governement – Russia
On July 31st, Syrian political and defense officials met with Vladimir Putin and Russian officials in Moscow for the first time. The discussion mainly focused on economic and military agreements. It seems that Putin wants to use the support of Russia to Syria’s reconstruction to negotiate basing rights in Syria.