AGP Executive Report

Syria’s Post-Assad Political Reset: Ahmed al-Sharaa’s new People’s Assembly convened in Damascus, with the president calling for “a new chapter” and tasking lawmakers with drafting a constitution ahead of elections once conditions allow. Parliament & Governance: The 30-month term begins amid tight control over the chamber’s makeup, with regional colleges selecting most seats and al-Sharaa appointing the rest, including a prominent role for women MPs. Security & Terror Probes: Syria’s Interior Ministry says a cell linked to the July 7 Damascus bombings has been identified, with alleged ISIS members named and investigations continuing toward referrals to the judiciary. Regional Diplomacy: Al-Sharaa traveled to Doha to offer condolences for Qatar’s late Father Amir, underscoring Damascus’ push to re-enter regional and international channels. Russia’s Footprint in Tartus: Syrian commercial sources outline a future Russian port presence in Tartus, including plans to retain one pier for Russian navy use while another handles Russian commercial cargo under a long-term concession. International Pressure on Syria’s Status: The Trump administration has formally started the process to remove Syria from the U.S. State Sponsors of Terrorism list, citing assurances from al-Sharaa—an opening that could reshape sanctions and investment expectations.

Syria’s Political Reset: Türkiye welcomed the first session of Syria’s new People’s Assembly in Damascus, calling it a step toward an inclusive political transition after the 2024 overthrow of Bashar al-Assad. Parliament Watch: Lawmakers elected Abdul Hamid al-Awak as speaker and moved to set up a committee to draft a new constitution, but analysts say the real test is whether the legislature can act independently. Regional Diplomacy: Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani’s Beirut visit was framed as a bid to normalize Lebanese-Syrian ties while positioning Damascus as a partner in any future arrangement involving Hezbollah. Security & Governance: Syrian authorities said they dismantled an ISIS-linked cell tied to Damascus bombings during Macron’s visit, underscoring how security remains central to the transitional government’s legitimacy. Economic Signals: Syria’s electricity is reportedly improving in Damascus, with longer stretches of supply than during the worst cuts—small gains that matter politically as sanctions ease. Infrastructure & Trade: Iraq, Syria and the U.S. plan to revive the Kirkuk-Baniyas pipeline to reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz, linking reconstruction hopes to major corridor politics.

Parliamentary Transition: Syria’s newly formed People’s Assembly convened its inaugural session in Damascus after the ouster of Bashar al-Assad, with President Ahmed al-Sharaa calling for a “new chapter” and lawmakers electing constitutional lawyer Abdul Hamid al-Awak as speaker; the 210-seat body operates under a transitional framework for about 30 months, with two-thirds chosen via provincial electoral colleges and one-third appointed by al-Sharaa. Regional Diplomacy: Türkiye welcomed the first session as a step toward stability and popular sovereignty, while Qatar and Syria also moved to deepen diplomatic cooperation through a signed MoU on training and capacity-building. Counterterror & Security: Syrian authorities said they dismantled an ISIS-linked cell behind Damascus bombings during Macron’s visit, arresting suspects after raids across multiple Damascus areas. International Re-Engagement: The Trump administration formally began the process to remove Syria from the U.S. State Sponsors of Terrorism list, citing assurances from al-Sharaa and setting up a 45-day review period. Extremism Concerns: A report alleged Syria’s school curriculum promotes anti-Jewish/anti-Christian messaging and glorifies jihad against “infidels,” raising questions as the new leadership seeks Western engagement. Human Impact: A ferry capsized in the Euphrates near Deir ez-Zor, killing at least three children and leaving others missing.

Transitional Governance: Syria’s newly elected transitional parliament held its first session on Sunday, with President Ahmed al-Sharaa calling lawmakers to build a “new chapter” grounded in dialogue, the rule of law, and respect for state institutions. The 210-member body is part of a five-year transition after the Assad-era legislature was dissolved, with Sharaa appointing the remaining third of seats and members sworn in amid tight security. Transitional Justice Debate: In Deir ez-Zor, authorities arrested four former security and paramilitary officials tied to the Assad regime, while publicly urging victims to come forward—sparking criticism that the process lacks clear, coherent transitional justice procedures. US-Syria Relations: The Trump administration has formally started the process to remove Syria from the U.S. State Sponsors of Terrorism list, citing assurances from al-Sharaa and triggering a 45-day pre-notification period. Regional Diplomacy: Egypt’s foreign minister held a phone call with U.S. envoy Tom Barrack, stressing Syria’s territorial unity and warning against foreign interference while urging coordinated counterterror efforts.

US–Syria Relations: The Trump administration has formally started the process to remove Syria from the U.S. State Sponsors of Terrorism list, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio citing assurances from President Ahmed al-Sharaa and triggering a 45-day pre-notification period—an opening that could reshape Syria’s reconstruction and foreign ties. Security & Accountability: Syria’s Interior Ministry says a detained Damascus “terrorist cell” confessed it targeted public institutions to destabilize the country, linking the group to the May bombing near the Defense Ministry’s Armament Administration. Regional Diplomacy: Qatar and Syria signed a memorandum on diplomatic studies and training after talks in Damascus, with both sides also reviewing progress on the chemical weapons file. Economy & Finance: Syria’s Central Bank says about 80% of old currency has been replaced and outlined next steps for electronic wallets, anti–money laundering strategy, and meeting FATF requirements. Connectivity: Flydubai will resume daily flights to Aleppo from 20 July, expanding UAE–Syria air links after the long suspension. Israel–Syria Tensions: Israeli forces reportedly set up temporary checkpoints and carried out raids in Quneitra, as operations in southern Syria continue. Russia in Tartous: Reuters reports Russia is pushing a commercial logistics hub at Tartous while keeping a military presence, though Syrian port authorities deny the claim.

US-Syria Delisting Process: The Trump administration has formally started the process to remove Syria from the U.S. State Sponsors of Terrorism list, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio citing assurances from President Ahmed al-Sharaa and triggering a 45-day congressional review—an opening that could ease banking and investment barriers. Counterterrorism in Syria: Syrian authorities say they dismantled ISIS cells in southern Syria and arrested senior figure Firas al-Dagher, linking the network to assassinations and financing through raids and gold trafficking. Damascus Security During Macron Visit: After twin blasts near the Four Seasons Hotel during Emmanuel Macron’s Damascus trip, security forces announced arrests of a cell they say was affiliated with ISIS, framing it as a failed attempt rather than a security collapse. France-Syria Reengagement: Macron’s Damascus visit also coincided with the return of 23 Syrian antiquities held in France for about 15 years, alongside broader cooperation signals on reconstruction and diplomatic ties. Regional Diplomacy: Bahrain welcomed the U.S. delisting move as a step toward Syria’s reconstruction and reintegration, while Turkey’s leaders continued pushing for stability in Lebanon and better Syria-Lebanon ties. Connectivity and Reconstruction Signals: flydubai announced daily Aleppo flights from July 20, and reporting highlights plans for a revived Iraq-Syria Mediterranean pipeline deal aimed at reshaping regional energy routes.

US-Syria Delisting: The Trump administration has formally started the process to remove Syria from the U.S. State Sponsors of Terrorism list, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying President Donald Trump notified Congress and a 45-day pre-notification period has begun after assurances from Ahmed al-Sharaa. Security in Damascus: Syrian authorities say they detained an ISIS-linked cell behind July 7 explosions near the French President Emmanuel Macron’s hotel during his Damascus visit, with devices detonating near the Tourism Ministry. Diplomacy & Reconstruction: Macron’s visit also fed broader talk of France returning Syrian assets and backing reconstruction, while Syria seeks deeper ties with the international community. Regional Mobility: flydubai announced it will resume and expand flights into Syria, adding a daily non-stop service to Aleppo after nearly 14 years. Humanitarian/Legal Pressure Abroad: In the U.S., TPS work authorization for Syrians and Haitians is being extended on shifting deadlines after a Supreme Court ruling, keeping uncertainty high for Syrian families and workers.

OPCW Delisting Momentum: The U.S. and allies keep signaling a thaw for Damascus as Syria regains its rights and privileges at the chemical weapons watchdog OPCW, with U.S. envoy Tom Barrack calling it a “meaningful milestone” and Syria’s foreign minister calling it historic. Counterterror Crackdown in Damascus: Syrian authorities say they arrested an ISIS-linked cell tied to twin bombings during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit, after raids across Damascus-area neighborhoods; officials say identities will follow as investigations continue. Sanctions Relief Push: Syria welcomed Washington’s move to begin the legal process to remove it from the U.S. state sponsor of terrorism list, saying it could unlock reconstruction, investment, and broader reintegration. France-Syria Reset: France returned 23 Syrian antiquities held for about 15 years, unveiled during Macron’s landmark Damascus visit, alongside broader cooperation talks. Security on the Ground: Reports also note an Israeli incursion into Sida al-Golan village in Quneitra, with checkpoints and civilian inspections before withdrawal. Trade & Connectivity: CMA CGM is set to expand in Syria with a Damascus airport air-freight management contract, as direct European flights gradually resume.

Counterterror Crackdown: Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab says authorities have arrested the full cell behind twin Damascus bombings during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit, with Interior Security officials linking the suspects to ISIL/ISIS after raids across multiple Damascus neighborhoods and surrounding areas. Diplomatic Fallout: Macron’s trip continued after the blasts, but the attacks are framed as a direct test for President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s push to consolidate control and reassure Western partners. Terror-List Shift: The US has begun the process to rescind Syria’s state sponsor of terrorism designation, with Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE welcoming the move as a step toward stability and economic reopening. Chemical Weapons Oversight: The OPCW restored Syria’s voting rights at the chemical weapons watchdog, citing “significant change in circumstances” since the fall of Bashar al-Assad. Humanitarian/Recovery: IICO and UNDP signed a deal to rehabilitate water infrastructure in Idlib, aiming to restore safe drinking water for tens of thousands. Rights & Monitoring: A UN expert on internally displaced persons will visit Syria from July 10–21, meeting government, UN partners, and affected communities across multiple governorates. Identity Politics: Thousands in Kobani protest the use of “Ain al-Arab” on government signage, demanding official recognition of the Kurdish name.

US-Syria Normalization: The Trump administration notified Congress it intends to remove Syria from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism, a move Reuters says will take effect after a 45-day review unless blocked, with officials framing it as a path to investment and economic recovery. OPCW Chemical File: The OPCW reinstated Syria’s voting rights after “constructive engagement,” approving plans to destroy newly declared legacy stockpiles, signaling progress since the Assad era. Diplomacy in Ankara: Trump met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on NATO summit sidelines, praising him as “fantastic” and linking the delisting to counterterrorism assurances. Security Pressure in Damascus: Separate reporting says explosions hit Damascus during Macron’s visit earlier, underscoring ongoing instability even as diplomatic openings expand. Regional Logistics: Russia is reportedly preparing a commercial logistics hub at Tartous by mid-July, aiming to expand economic influence alongside a continued military presence. Accountability & Governance: Commentary highlights concerns that Syria’s constitutional court could be used as an executive tool, while other coverage points to trials and security crackdowns as the new order takes shape.

Damascus Security: Twin blasts rocked central Damascus during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit, killing one and injuring 36, with Syria’s Interior Ministry saying devices were planted in a car and a rubbish container as teams prepared to dismantle them. US-Syria Diplomacy: At the NATO summit in Ankara, President Donald Trump signaled he will remove Syria from the US “state sponsor of terrorism” list, praising interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa for unifying and stabilizing the country; Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Congress has been formally notified and a 45-day review will follow. Regional Messaging: The Kurdish National Council condemned the Damascus bombings, calling them an attempt to undermine Syria’s transition and urging unity and broader participation in shaping the future. International Oversight: Qatar reiterated its commitment to support OPCW efforts to strengthen the Chemical Weapons Convention, praising Syrian coordination with the OPCW Technical Secretariat and calling for restoration of Syria’s rights and privileges. Broader Middle East Context: As Washington escalates against Iran after attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, the US also announced it will lift Syria’s terrorism designation alongside other regional moves discussed at NATO.

Damascus Security Shock: Syrian authorities say two blasts during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit killed one and wounded 36, with Interior Ministry reporting one device in a car and another in a rubbish container near the Ministry of Tourism/Four Seasons area; Macron’s office says he was unharmed and the visit continued as planned, while al-Sharaa praised Macron’s “courage.” Diplomatic Reset With France: Macron and al-Sharaa used the landmark trip to announce steps to restore diplomatic ties, including reappointing ambassadors after more than a decade, as France positions itself as a partner for reconstruction and economic cooperation. Regional Politics at NATO: Syrian transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrived in Türkiye for talks with US President Donald Trump on NATO summit sidelines, as Trump also attacked NATO partners over Iran and Greenland and Erdoğan held closed-door talks with Macron. Energy and Investment Caution: TotalEnergies’ CEO said offshore exploration with Syria is on the table, but insecurity still blocks a return to onshore operations. Humanitarian and Rights Pressure: A World Nonviolence Organization appeal urged NATO leaders to push Syria on human rights, accountability, and protections for minorities amid the current security climate.

Macron Visit Disrupted: Two improvised explosive devices detonated near the Four Seasons Hotel and the Damascus Tourism Ministry during French President Emmanuel Macron’s landmark meeting with Syria’s interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, injuring at least 18 people including four police officers; Syrian Interior Ministry says the blasts were outside the security perimeter and Macron was unharmed, with investigations ongoing and no group claiming responsibility. Diplomatic Reset with France: Hours after the attacks, Damascus and Paris announced plans to reappoint ambassadors after more than a decade, as Macron framed France as a partner for Syria’s reconstruction and stressed rule-of-law and stability. Security Pressure in the Capital: The incident highlights how Syria’s new authorities are still battling fragile security conditions even as high-profile Western engagement resumes. Regional Military Signals: Israel announced military exercises in the Golan Heights, warning residents of “intense movement” and possible explosion sounds, underscoring continued volatility along Syria’s borders. Syria’s Constitutional Step: President al-Sharaa issued a decree appointing the president and members of the Supreme Constitutional Court, setting up constitutional review functions for the transitional period.

Macron Visit Under Fire in Damascus: Two blasts hit central Damascus near the Four Seasons Hotel during French President Emmanuel Macron’s landmark meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, injuring at least 18 people including four police officers; Syrian authorities said the devices were placed in a parked car and a garbage container and detonated while specialists tried to dismantle them, while the Élysée said Macron was safe and the visit continued. Security Vacuum Signal: The attacks—coming days after a deadly Damascus cafe bombing—highlight the fragile security environment facing Syria’s new leadership as it seeks international engagement and reconstruction support. NATO Pivot in Ankara: U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Turkey for a NATO summit focused on defense spending and regional security, with planned meetings including Erdogan and, on the sidelines, Syria’s al-Sharaa and Ukraine’s Zelenskyy—underscoring how Syria is being pulled into wider alliance diplomacy. Jordan-UNHCR Funding: Japan reaffirmed support for UNHCR in Jordan with a $6 million contribution to help hundreds of thousands of refugees access protection, healthcare, and basic services.

War Crimes Accountability: Austria’s Vienna Regional Criminal Court convicted two senior Syrian intelligence figures over 2011–2013 abuses, including torture and sexual coercion, though verdicts are not final as appeals are filed. Diplomacy & Reconstruction: French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Damascus for the first EU-head-of-state visit since Assad’s fall, pledging support for a sovereign, united Syria and signaling “demands” tied to justice, inclusion, and reconstruction as he meets President Ahmed al-Sharaa. NATO Crossroads: US President Donald Trump heads to the Ankara NATO summit focused on defense spending and separate meetings with Ukraine’s Zelenskyy and Syria’s al-Sharaa, while regional talks swirl around alliance commitments and Turkey’s role. Regional Security Spillover: An Israeli drone strike in southern Lebanon killed four, including three women, despite a ceasefire, underscoring how Lebanon-Syria regional dynamics remain volatile. Humanitarian/State Capacity: UNDP expanded a Stellar blockchain payments programme, including a Syria Aleppo cash-for-work pilot that reportedly cut distribution costs and improved payment tracking.

NATO Summit Diplomacy: The White House says President Trump will meet Ukraine’s Zelensky and Syria’s Ahmed al-Sharaa on the sidelines of the Ankara NATO summit, with follow-up contact with Russia’s Putin—turning the alliance meeting into a direct Syria track. France-Turkey Defense Deal: Reuters reports France is now open to selling the Franco-Italian SAMP/T air-defense system to Turkey after Macron-Meloni talks, a shift closely watched in Cyprus and Greece. Syria-Lebanon Reset: Syria’s new leadership signals it will not intervene militarily in Lebanon while keeping a diplomatic channel open with Hezbollah “if interests require it,” as Lebanon and Syria move to form joint security and non-interference mechanisms. Security on Syria’s Borders: Israeli forces carried out raids in Quneitra, including setting up a checkpoint, as Syrian media describe a near-daily pattern of incursions after Assad’s fall. Political Representation: Syrian women activists in Aleppo demand real power beyond seat counts as the new People’s Assembly is completed, highlighting tensions between formal inclusion and meaningful governance. Accountability in Syria: Syria begins public trials tied to last year’s violence in Sweida, underscoring the post-Assad push for legal reckoning. Economic Recovery Watch: Tartous received the first cranes under DP World’s $800m port modernization plan, aiming to boost cargo capacity and speed trade flows.