Syria's new political landscape - UPDATES

[Anthea]

Syria unrest triggers international reaction

The recent clashes in Druze-majority areas in southern Syria have sparked international concern, with the United Nations calling for “immediate measures” to bring an end to the violence

Earlier this week, violent confrontations broke out in the Druze-majority suburb of Jaramana, near Damascus, leaving at least 18 people dead and dozens injured. Later, the conflict spread to Sahnaya and the nearby Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, leading to the death of many others. The violence was reportedly triggered by an offensive audio clip about the Prophet Muhammad, initially attributed to a Druze cleric but later found to be fake.

Israel has carried out several airstrikes against the affiliated security forces, with the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Defense Minister, Israel Katz, stating that Israel had hit an “extremist group” preparing to launch an attack on the Druze in Sahnaya, adding that “Israel expects” the new Syrian leadership “to act in order to prevent harm to the Druze [community]."

Rif Dimashq Governor Amer al-Sheikh confirmed during a press conference late Wednesday that Israel had targeted a group of Damascus-affiliated security forces in Sahnaya.

The Syrian foreign ministry said it strongly rejects "all forms of foreign intervention," adding that the conflict with the Druze fighters, whom it calls "outlaw groups," is an internal matter.

“The Syrian Arab Republic reaffirms its steadfast commitment to protecting all components of the Syrian people without exception, including members of the honorable Druze community, who have been and remain an authentic part of the Syrian national fabric,” it added.

Turkey, a supporter of the new administration in Damascus, condemned Israeli attacks, with the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan deeming the Israeli attacks as “provocation” and “unacceptable.”

He added, “We will express our response in various ways to any attempt to drag our neighbor Syria into a new quagmire of instability. Our concern is not more conflict in the region but more peace and stability,” reported state media.

The governors of Rif Dimashq and Suwayda held a meeting with several Druze dignitaries in Ashrafiyat Sahnaya to discuss and reach an initial agreement regarding the unrest in the Druze-majority town, reported the state-owned SANA news agency.

The UN Special Envoy to Syria, Geir Pedersen, expressed his “deep concern at unacceptable violence in Syria," adding that he is also "alarmed" by reports of casualties among civilians and security forces and Israeli attacks. Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, said during a press briefing.

“These attacks must stop,” he said, urging “immediate measures to ensure the protection of civilians, bring about calm, and prevent incitement of communal tensions, and notes and supports efforts underway in this regard.”

The Kurdish-led administration in Western Kurdistan said the events in southern Syria were “unfortunate,” expressing its “deep concern.”

The Democratic Autonomous Administration in North and East Syria (DAANES), the official name of the Kurdish enclave, also called on “all parties to de-escalate and stop the escalation,” demanding that “the Damascus government intervene and prevent a repetition of what happened on the Syrian coast in terms of massacres and killings of civilians on a sectarian basis.”

This is not the first time Druze-majority areas have faced turmoil.

Jaramana has seen repeated tensions since the December fall of Assad’s regime to a coalition of opposition groups led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). In early March, forces affiliated with the new Syrian leadership deployed in the suburb following clashes with Druze fighters.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/world/300420251

[Anthea]

[Anthea]

Syria should avoid what Iraq
experienced after 2003

Georgetown University, America, urged Syria's new leaders to "take advantage of the lessons of Iraq", given that they stood at a crossroads like Iraq 20 years ago, so they should avoid sectarian exclusion, revenge and follow a comprehensive federal system of governance that recognizes ethnic and sectarian diversity

The report issued by the University's Security Studies Center, translated by Shafak News, clarified that with the exit of Syria from the shadows of Bashar Al-Assad's rule, the transition period it has been going through since December/January 1, 2024 has become minute, especially for minorities, where communal tensions have erupted and turned into violence against upper civilians, raising concerns.

It is a collective punishment that reminds us of Iraq after 2003, in addition to the fact that the Syrian Kurds are pushing towards federal self-government, and it is based on informal arrangements similar to the situation of the Kurdistan Territory in Iraq, except that there are no legal guarantees for this step.

The US report called for Syria's new leaders to "take advantage of the lessons of Iraq" to avoid sectarian collapse and extremist policies, by "reconciling the communities of the previous regime rather than enforcing them, and formalizing minorities' rights within a comprehensive constitutional framework."

As the experiences of the Sunnah and Kurds in Iraq after the fall of Saddam Hussein represent messages A clear warning for the Syrian future course, either in the end of the year of the Iraqi rebellion, while the Kurdish federalism served as a model for self-government and stability after the conflict.

The report clarified that the post-Fall of Assad has been stained by horrible sectarian violence against Syria's upper minority, where the "coastal massacres" in March/2025, took place with armed retaliatory attacks against upper-majority areas such as Latakia and Tartous, where human rights observers indicated that more than a thousand people have been killed, about 800 of them from Civilians.

There are enormous political risks, according to the report, from these acts of revenge, because such a collective punishment for the sake of the upper-ranking, may plant the seeds of a long-term rebellion, similar to what happened in Iraq after 2003, where the Sunni minority faced a major exclusion process under the policy of "Resurrection of Baath" implemented by the United States.

Which was implemented in addition to the "violations of Shiite militias," there has been a great feeling of injustice, and the marginalized Sunnah became fertile ground for recruiting rebel groups - from organizing the base to the rebels-led factions that eventually turned to ISIS, Iraq has been sunk in years of sectarian civil war, the report says.

He pointed out that, there is a necessity for Syria to avoid repeating the cycle of sectarian exclusion that Iraq has witnessed, which led to the rebellion, he pointed out that the Syrian interim president Ahmed Al-Sharraa apparently recognizes this necessity, adding that there should be an "exit" for the upper elite who had a connection with the regime and did not commit any crimes.

It is mentioned that the complete dismantling of the Iraqi army and the administrative system dominated by the Iraqi Sunna, caused the deprivation of thousands of armed people from anywhere in the new regime, a step that was a disaster.

The report said, that Iraq's experience has shown that without such a director, it creates room for rebellion and arms bearing, and for this reason, securing a way to reintegrate officials from lower ranks in the Lion's era, deprives the militants from a support base and helps unify the country, and in this context, Iraq offers a lesson.

Clearly, since comprehensive judgment is a security necessity, Syria must also hold individuals accountable for war crimes, with its stern refusal to any speech that blames an entire sect, since this "precise balance of justice without revenge, is the only way to avoid the fate of Iraq."

Kurd and Federalism: promises and risks

Kurds have temporarily relinquished independence in exchange for merger, seeking to secure their rights in a new union Syria, following an agreement between them and the Syrian interim government, the Georgetown report indicated.

He added that the United States, which has supported Syria's democratic forces against ISIS, in this alliance a means of ensuring without a Syrian internal conflict and to facilitate the final withdrawal of American forces, pointing out that if the agreement succeeds, it would contribute to the stability of Northeast Syria and addressing tensions, while if it fails, it would threatens to rekindle the conflict between the Kurdish forces and the central government or Turkey-backed militias.

For this reason, I consider the report that the Kurds see federalism as a way to achieve their aspirations and provide an essential safety net in the midst of a volatile political landscape, pointing out that the post 2005 Iraq experience also offers hope and a warning at the same time.

After the fall of Saddam Hussein, the Kurds established the Kurdistan territory, in cooperation with Americans and Iraqis and work to ensure that the 2005 Constitution of Kurdistan is recognized as an official territory, the Kurdistan Regional Government, which had its own parliament, chairman, Peshmerga forces and a legal share of oil revenues, was established through federal arrangements.

This framework flourished between 2005 and 2013, making the Kurdish region a safe haven amid communal violence in the south, while strengthening Kurdish political influence in Baghdad, the report said, adding that such success indicates that a similar centralization in Syria has enabled Kurds to engage in regeneration instead of the pursuit of independence, indicating that what's going on shows federalism as a new concept that Iraq has introduced to the Arab world.

According to the report, on Iraqi Experience, the risks of erosion of confidence and unclear agreements, where disputes broke out between Baghdad and Erbil, over the sharing of disputed oil and land revenues like Kirkuk, while the 2017 general independence referendum drove the federal forces to seize privileges to the regional government, leading to budget cuts and the cancellation of Kurdish oil contracts.

That is why the report urged the Syrians and the Kurds, on the law of agreements, pointing out that there are several steps to make Kurdish self-government a stable factor, first of all the drafting of a new constitution that determines the rights of the Kurds and their regional authority, because without this legal framework, the situation may be affected both sides in Damascus, emphasizing that it is necessary to establish the role of the Kurds Before they lose their influence.

And the second step, the report said, should take into account regional dynamics, especially Turkey's complex role, which has a pragmatic relationship with the regional government, as a similar approach in Syria could alleviate fears if the Syrian Kurds prioritise unity over independence.

As for the third step, the report said that Kurds benefit from international support, just like what Kurds did in Iraq with the participation of the United States and the United Nations in drafting the Constitution, noting that Western officials express their concern about how the new Islamic-led regime in Damascus is treating minorities, and Kurds' rights are set aside essentially, calling for continued diplomatic pressure to ensure this agreement makes sense.

The post-Assad unrest, from the Latakia massacres to the Kurdish agreement, represent risks and hope at the moment, warning that extremist politics may undermine the fragile peace in Syria, as it did in Iraq, when a group's victory led to another group's rebellion, host, that hope is to be able to Syria avoids this fate by applying the lessons Iraq has learned the hard way regarding reconciliation and federalism.

After asking the report about what Syria should learn from Iraq, he said that taking revenge against the supporters of the fallen regime cannot become the basis of a new regime, adding that the leaders of Iraq realized too late that treating all the minorities as enemies encourages rebellion.

The new leaders of Syria should condemn the recent violence against the upper-classmen as it is a criminal act, not encouraging, and they also have to assure minorities that collective punishment is rejected by integrating them into power, maintaining their livelihoods, and ensuring justice is followed.

In order to avoid the "appearance of the ghost of rebellion", the report said that there is a need to formalize arrangements that guarantee every sect has its share in the country, including the Kurds efforts to engage in decentralization in power.

The experience of Federal Iraq, despite its flaws, has contributed to maintaining unity and promoting political diversity, which is why avoided, the Syrian leadership should engage in the national dialogue and draft the Constitution with a real openness to the majority, taking into account a more flexible federal system or strong local self-government, since the Constitution provides protection for minorities' rights and self-government, in order to promote peace.

Seals the report by saying "Syria is currently standing at a crossroads as it happened to Iraq 20 years ago", and wonders whether it can come out as a stable and united nation, or will it revive the rebellion and injustice that Iraq experienced, adding that the Iraqi tragedies are in the post-Saddam stage, offer a lesson to Syrians, except that it guides us as well.

To what should not be done, and Syria's new leaders require to show the wisdom needed to benefit from these lessons, including protecting minorities, dividing power, and putting a constitutional framework into account for all parties.

He finished saying, that the new leaders of Syria can "save Syria from the repetition of Iraq's nightmares, but to realize the hope that Syria will be free of dictatorship and a home for all its children". He added that "the world is watching, and history is ready to judge whether Damascus will accept reconciliation or will allow the ghosts of Iraq's past to haunt Syria's future."

Translated by Shafaq News Agency

Author
Mehdî Kakeyî

[Anthea]

Death Toll in Southern Damascus Climbs

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The death toll from recent clashes in the Damascus countryside has risen to 56, with reports of field executions, Israeli airstrikes, and intense confrontations between local Druze fighters and forces loyal to Syria’s new government, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR)

Nine Druze men were reportedly executed in the field and some of their bodies burned after falling into an ambush laid by Syrian government forces and affiliated militias. The ambush occurred on the Damascus–Sweida highway as a convoy of Druze youths made their way toward Sahnaya to support local armed groups in the area. This incident alone brought the Druze death toll to 15, with the number expected to rise due to multiple injuries.

Bloodshed Engulfs Ashrafiyah Sahnaya and Jaramana

The security situation deteriorated rapidly in Ashrafiyah Sahnaya, a suburb of Damascus, where Syrian Defense Ministry forces seized control following intense urban clashes with Druze fighters. The town was rocked by airstrikes attributed to Israeli jets, coinciding with drone activity in the area.

Local reports confirmed the closure of all entry and exit points to the town, with Syrian forces deploying across key districts, including al-Maamel and the Daraa highway perimeter, in search of wanted individuals and weapons caches.

The breakdown of casualties is as follows:

Ashrafiyah Sahnaya:

16 Syrian security personnel killed
6 Druze fighters killed
2 Druze civilians executed inside a poultry farm

Jaramana district:

10 pro-regime militia members killed
7 Druze fighters killed

Damascus–Sweida highway ambush:

15 Druze men killed

The cumulative death toll across these areas now stands at 56, marking one of the bloodiest escalations in southern Syria since the transitional government assumed power.

Israeli Military Intervention

Israel acknowledged conducting a strike in Sahnaya targeting what it described as an “extremist group” preparing attacks against the Druze population. The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the operation carried a “stern message” to Damascus, warning Syria’s Islamist-led government to prevent harm to the Druze.

On Wednesday, the Israeli army was placed on alert after Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi ordered preparations to strike Syrian government targets if violence against Druze communities persists.

Opposition Movements React

In a rare appearance, Muwaffaq Tarif, spiritual leader of the Druze in Israel, called for calm and restraint, asserting that “the situation is under control” and warning against any disrespect or aggression toward Druze communities. He further stated that “Israel, the army, and the international community stand with us.”

Meanwhile, Syria’s state-run SANA news agency announced a preliminary ceasefire in Jaramana, Ashrafiyah Sahnaya, and Sahnaya following a meeting involving governors from Damascus, Sweida, and Quneitra along with notable community leaders. Damascus Governor Amer Sheikh affirmed the government’s commitment to restoring security and demanded that all weapons remain under state control.

The spiritual leader of the Druze in Syria sends an urgent message to the international community

In an official statement, Sheikh Hikmat Salman Al-Hajri, spiritual leader of the Unitarian Muslims, urgently called on the international community to protect Syrians from systematic massacres and crimes. He accused "externally supported Takfiri militias" He pointed out that these massacres aim to impose control and distort the truth while shifting blame onto the government for allegedly protecting these armed groups.

Al-Hajri stressed that international intervention is now a legitimate right for Syrians, as local efforts to stop the bloodshed have failed. Despite facing armed violence, he noted Syrians remain committed to peaceful resistance, hoping for justice, transitional justice, and a decentralized civilian government. He expressed hope for achieving justice and transitional justice, as well as establishing a decentralized civilian government that reflects the aspirations of the people.

He concluded by urging swift action to save lives, affirming that "the blood of martyrs will not be shed in vain, and the people will attain their rights sooner or later."

Syrian Foreign Minister stresses national unity and warns against foreign interference

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaybani stressed that national unity is key to Syria’s stability, rejecting sectarianism and division as threats to its diverse social fabric.

On X, he warned against foreign interference, citing its destructive impact and noting it often serves external agendas. "Those pushing for intervention bear historic responsibility," he said, emphasizing the long-term risks of fragmentation.

Al-Shaybani argued that stability requires inclusive dialogue and sovereignty, stating: "Only Syrians can build a strong Syria—no external force can replace genuine national will."

Autonomous Administration Calls for De-escalation

In a statement released Tuesday, the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES) expressed “grave concern” over the unfolding situation and urged all parties to de-escalate and avoid a repetition of the massacres previously witnessed along Syria’s coastline.

The administration emphasized the need for political solutions to resolve the underlying tensions and warned that military escalation only deepens divisions and undermines the prospects for a pluralistic, democratic Syria.

“Dialogue must be the path forward,” the statement concluded, reaffirming that armed confrontation has never led to meaningful resolution in Syria’s modern history.

As fears grow over renewed sectarian bloodshed and regional interventions, observers warn that the situation in southern Damascus may further unravel unless immediate and inclusive steps are taken to halt the violence and chart a political path toward national unity.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/83 ... ons-spiral

[Anthea]

Syrian gov., Jaramana leaders
reach deal on weapons handover

The Syrian government and Jaramana leaders agreed on the latter handing over weapons and the former boosting security forces

The Syrian government and community leaders in the city of Jaramana, south of Damascus, reached an agreement providing for the latter's immediate handover of heavy weapons, followed by the phased handover of individual arms, with all weapons to be exclusively held by official state institutions, Damascus Countryside Security Chief Hossam al-Tahan announced on Thursday evening.

A couple of days ago, violence erupted in Jaramana following the circulation of an audio recording on social media containing insults against Prophet Muhammad, attributed to a Druze cleric, an act considered criminal under Syrian law.

Several statements from Druze religious leaders condemned the offensive recording. Despite these denouncements, armed groups launched attacks on several Druze-majority areas south of the Syrian capital, which left dozens killed and several others injured amid tensions.

In remarks to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), al-Tahan noted that the agreement also includes the increased deployment of General Security forces within Jaramana to reinforce stability and restore normalcy, as well as the positioning of Syrian Ministry of Defense units on the city's outskirts to ensure its security.

Separately, the Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) confirmed the conclusion of a peaceful agreement between the Syrian administration and the people of Jaramana aimed at resolving ongoing tensions.

Druze religious leadership in Suweida: Druze are an inseparable part of Syria

In a related development, the Druze religious leadership in Suweida emphasized that they are "an inseparable part of a unified Syrian homeland," firmly rejecting any form of partition, secession, or division.

In a statement, the leadership reaffirmed its commitment to a nation that includes all Syrians and is free from strife and sectarian divisions, adding, "The blood of the martyrs compels us to remain united and firmly bonded within Syria."

The statement also underscored the need to empower the Ministry of Interior and the judicial police in Suweida using personnel from the city itself, while affirming that securing the Suweida-Damascus road and maintaining safety across Syrian territory is the responsibility of the state.
Large fatalities recorded in Syria's Suweida, Sahnaya clashes: Sources

Earlier on Thursday, local sources told Al Mayadeen that a large number of fatalities have been documented as a result of ongoing clashes in Syria, with the death toll in Suweida alone exceeding 40, in addition to several missing persons.

In Sahnaya and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, 15 fatalities have been recorded, including five individuals who were killed in field executions, according to the same sources.
Rampant field executions, abuse

The sources added that five field executions have been documented so far, the latest being that of the mayor, Hossam Warwar, and his son, Haidar.

Warwar had appeared in a video aired by Syria TV welcoming the General Security Forces, only to be killed after those forces disarmed the Druze residents in the area.

Al Mayadeen's sources also reported that members of the security forces documented their own abuses in Sahnaya and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya through videos, in which they appeared insulting detainees.

They also recorded scenes of verbal abuse, forced head-shaving, insults, and mockery.

According to the sources, the current situation in Sahnaya and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya is “less horrific than portrayed,” while confirming that violations, harassment, and provocations continue.

They also affirmed that all five documented field executions occurred after the General Security Forces had entered the area.

Local sources also said that Leith al-Balous, a senior figure in the Rijal al-Karama (Men of Dignity) movement in Suweida, survived an assassination attempt.

Meanwhile, Syria TV reported that unknown gunmen attacked a Ministry of Defense outpost in the al-Quriyah desert, east of Deir Ezzor, taking advantage of the ongoing dust storm in the area.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol ... n-handover

[Anthea]

Macron receives Syria’s Sharaa in Paris

French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday received Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa during his first visit to Europe, in a meeting to reaffirm France’s support for Syria’s political transition

In a joint presser following their meeting, Macron said that “everyone was satisfied with the fall of Bashar al-Assad, and today the Syrians should be united to achieve peace and stability.”

The French leader further called for respect for Syria’s sovereignty and urged international support for the conflict-ridden nation, revealing that the EU will “gradually” lift sanctions on Syria.

“We salute the steps taken by President Sharaa to agree with the Syrian Democratic Forces and ensure civil peace,” Macron added, lauding the agreement with the Kurdish-led force on March 10.

Sharaa and SDF chief Mazloum Abdi signed a landmark agreement on March 10 to integrate the SDF into the state apparatus. The agreement recognizes the Kurds as an integral part of Syria, includes a countrywide ceasefire, and stipulates the return of displaced Syrians to their hometowns.

During the presser, the Syrian leader thanked Macron for the visit and for accepting Syrian refugees throughout the course of the brutal Syrian civil war.

“France was a friend of the Syrian people and stood beside them throughout the years of the revolution,” Sharaa affirmed.

He said that his meeting with Macron discussed Syria’s reconstruction and ways to develop the country.

“We realize that the post-revolution period is difficult, and we collectively try to absorb the end of an authoritation rule that used sectarianism and terror as a weapon against Syrian society for 54 years,” Sharaa continued, referring to the country’s previous Baathist regime.

On Tuesday, the Elysee Palace said that the meeting was part of France's "historic commitment" to the Syrian people and to reaffirm French support for a "stable, secure, and sovereign Syria."

Macron had first invited Sharaa to visit France in February after the Syrian interim leader assumed the presidency. He also congratulated him in a phone call, according to the Syrian presidency at the time.

France remains cautiously optimistic about Syria’s ongoing political transition following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December. Paris has taken an active role in diplomatic engagement and humanitarian assistance, while emphasizing the need for an inclusive political process and the protection of minority rights.

Last week, France condemned the recent sectarian violence that targeted Syria’s Druze community south of Damascus, with clashes having left over 100 dead, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Several Western countries, primarily France and Germany, have been actively engaged with the Syrian government, but have warned that the recent lifting of some sanctions imposed on Assad's regime is conditional on forming an inclusive government.

Sharaa, formerly the leader of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), now serves as Syria’s interim president after leading the rebel coalition that toppled Assad. He has repeatedly pledged to uphold the rights of all Syrians.

The international community has expressed concern that the new Islamist authorities in Damascus may impose strict Islamic rule in Syria, threatening the country’s minority groups, such as Kurds, Druze, Christians, and Alawites.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/syria/07052025

[Anthea]

Barzani highlights developments in Syria

reaffirms self-determination

Kurdish leader, Masoud Barzani, president of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, stated that the recent changes in Syria were expected, expressing concern that the rulers of Damascus have not directed peaceful and reassuring messages towards the Kurds

In an exclusive interview with Shams TV, KDP President highlighted the developments in Syria, stating that the changes were expected but not at this speed or manner and that it marked a major transformation and a turning point in the region's history."

Barzani said that the background of the new leaders in Syria is known to them but when they assumed power, they sent positive messages to the Kurdistan Region

The Kurdish leader added “While there has been no official communication between the Kurdistan Region and the new Syrian leadership, they have yet to send a genuine message of peace and understanding to the Kurds. This is why we have worked to unify the Kurds in Rojava around a common stance and legitimate demands.”

In another part of the interview, Barzani reflected on the long history of the Kurdish struggle, highlighting Barzani family’s legacy for Kurdistan. “Our family's struggle began during the time of Sheikh Abdul Salam Barzani, who demanded rights for the Kurdish people in the early 20th century and confronted the Ottomans in the Battle of Shadara in 1914,” he said.

He emphasized the sacrifices made by the Kurdish people, noting, “Kurdistan’s people have suffered greatly and faced major tragedies, but they never lost hope and made tremendous sacrifices to reach where they are today.”

Barzani also discussed the challenges faced by the Kurdistan Region, noting, “The region’s development has not been without obstacles. Since 2014, we have faced budget cuts from the Iraqi federal government, the war on ISIS, the collapse in oil prices, and the COVID-19 pandemic—all of which hindered the progress of the Kurdistan Region.”

Reaffirming his long-held belief in the Kurdish right to self-determination, Barzani stated, “I have always believed in the Kurdish people’s right to determine their own destiny. It is a natural and fundamental right—one that is legitimate for all peoples, including the people of Kurdistan.”

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/883073

[Anthea]

Syria gives armed groups

10 days to integrate

Syria’s defense minister announced on Saturday that all armed units have been integrated into the Ministry of Defense, unifying the country’s armed forces, though he gave “remaining small military groups” a ten-day deadline to complete the process

“Today, we convey to our honorable people the news of the integration of all units into the Syrian Ministry of Defense,” Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra said in a post on X.

He said that the process to unify all the armed units under a single institutional structure began immediately following the end of the former regime.

“Given the importance of institutional work, we stress the need for the remaining small military groups to join the ministry within a maximum period of 10 days from the date of this announcement, in order to complete the efforts of unification and organization,” he added, warning that any delay complying would be dealt with under the law.

In December, the rebel coalition, including Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) that led the final offensive to oust Bashar al-Assad, agreed to merge into the Syrian defense ministry.

The Syrian Democratic forces (SDF), which control the northeast, signed an agreement with Damascus on March 10, to integrate “all civil and military institutions in Western Kurdistan under the administration of the Syrian state, including border crossings, the [Qamishli International] Airport, and oil and gas fields.”

Despite this deal, Kurds in Western Kurdistan are concerned about key decisions the new authorities in Damascus have made to centralize authority. The Damascus leadership in late April censured SDF's call for federalism, saying it contradicts their agreement.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeas ... /170520252

[Anthea]

US Warns Syria Near Collapse

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned on Tuesday that Syria may be just weeks away from plunging into a renewed civil war “of epic proportions” if support is not rallied behind the country’s fragile transitional leadership

Speaking at a Senate hearing in Washington, Rubio said the transitional government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa is under severe strain, risking total collapse and the possible breakup of the country.

“It is our assessment that, frankly, the transitional authority, given the challenges they’re facing, are maybe weeks — not many months — away from potential collapse and a full-scale civil war,” he told lawmakers.

The warning comes amid escalating attacks targeting Syria’s Alawite and Druze minorities, following the downfall of former President Bashar al-Assad in a swift rebel offensive in December. Assad, who ruled since 2000, was ousted after more than a decade of civil war that began in 2011.

Rubio’s remarks follow President Donald Trump’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia, where he met Syria’s new leader Sharaa — once a US-wanted guerrilla commander — and announced the lifting of long-standing sanctions imposed during the Assad era

Referring to the meeting, Rubio remarked: “The transitional authority figures, they didn’t pass their background check with the FBI.” Still, he defended the engagement: “If we engage them, it may work out, it may not work out. If we did not engage them, it was guaranteed to not work out.”

Rubio also blamed Assad for fueling sectarian tensions, saying, “They are dealing with deep internal distrust in that country, because Assad deliberately pitted these groups against each other.”

He stressed that lifting US sanctions is essential for enabling regional aid to flow into Syria. “The nations in the region want to get aid in, want to start helping them, and they can’t because they’re afraid of our sanctions,” he said.

The Biden-era Caesar Act, which imposed sweeping economic restrictions to punish Assad’s abuses, is now being reconsidered. Rubio confirmed that Trump intends to waive its enforcement and said Congress may eventually need to repeal it altogether, as waivers alone may not satisfy potential investors.

On Tuesday, the European Union also gave the green light to fully lift its economic sanctions on Syria, aligning with Washington’s shift and paving the way for international reconstruction efforts.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/884128