AGP Executive Report

US Visa Pause: The Trump administration has postponed immigrant visa appointments worldwide for weeks, while keeping tourist/business visas largely unaffected—raising fresh uncertainty for Middle East applicants. SDF Integration & Kurdish Representation: Syria’s transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa appointed Mazloum Abdi, former SDF leader, as a presidential adviser after the SDF’s dissolution and integration into state structures; at the same time, the education ministry expanded Kurdish-language instruction in schools (three lessons weekly, Kurdish as a national language in Kurdish-majority areas). US Delisting & Financial Reconnection: The US removed Syria from its state sponsor of terrorism list, and Visa/Mastercard processed Syria’s first international card payments in over 15 years—signaling a push toward reintegration with global finance. Israel-Syria Tensions: Israeli strikes and raids around Damascus and Quneitra continued despite US calls for de-escalation, drawing fresh condemnation at the UN. Regional Diplomacy & Trade: Türkiye welcomed the SDF dissolution and pushed for unified governance, while Turkish-Syrian trade hit $3.75B in 2025 and Saudi-Syrian talks advanced investment and banking links.

Kurdish Language in Schools: Syria’s Ministry of Education will formally introduce Kurdish as an elective in the 2026-2027 academic year, citing Decree No. 13 of 2026 and framing Kurdish culture as part of Syria’s national identity. SDF Dissolution and Integration: The Kurdish-led SDF has dissolved after integration into Syrian state security structures, with regional leaders praising the move and Turkey signaling it will verify implementation on the ground. YPJ Women’s Status: YPJ leaders say they met the Interior Ministry to discuss integrating women fighters into the ministry’s structure, but the process remains complex because the Syrian army currently does not accept women. Damascus Rejoins Global Finance: President Ahmed al-Sharaa made Syria’s first Visa card payment in 15 years, as Visa and Mastercard complete live international card tests following the US delisting of Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism. Damascus Security and Courts: A Damascus court sentenced former Assad-era grand mufti Ahmad Hassoun to life in prison, while another case saw a death sentence for Abdel Nasser Baraqi. Regional Flashpoint: Israel carried out strikes and raids in southern Syria and Lebanon despite US-brokered diplomacy, while Türkiye said no formal US request has been made for a Syria-Israel deconfliction mechanism.

Sanctions & Finance: Syria’s delisting from the US State Sponsors of Terrorism list is already reshaping the legal and banking environment, with officials saying it removes a major barrier to SWIFT-linked transactions and could unlock new Western, Arab and Turkish banking activity. Reconstruction Push: President Ahmed al-Sharaa used the opening of the 63rd Damascus International Fair to declare a “new phase” of reconstruction and to position Syria as a trade corridor between East and West. Kurdish Integration: The Kurdish-led SDF has formally dissolved and fighters are being integrated into Syrian state institutions; Turkey’s Hakan Fidan welcomed the step if implemented on the ground, while Qatar backed the move as a path toward state authority and rule of law. Syria-Israel De-escalation: US-mediated talks in Jordan between Syrian officials and Israel’s side aim to reduce strikes and revive security negotiations, even as Damascus and regional partners continue to denounce Israeli actions. Regional Security Flashpoints: Israeli forces carried out raids in Quneitra after earlier strikes tied to the Abu al-Duhur airbase, keeping tensions high with Turkey and complicating Syria’s stabilization efforts. Justice & Accountability: Syria’s court sentenced former grand mufti Ahmad Hassoun to life imprisonment for incitement and crimes tied to the Assad-era conflict.

SDF Integration & State Consolidation: Syrian Democratic Forces commander Mazloum Abdi announced the end of the SDF as an independent force, dissolving the Kurdish-led autonomous administration and integrating fighters and institutions into Syrian state structures under Damascus. Regional Reactions: Turkey welcomed the dissolution as a major step for Syrian unity and stronger state authority, while Qatar, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait also backed the integration as key to stability and sovereignty. Russia–Damascus Military Reorganization: Putin and interim leader Ahmad al-Sharaa discussed deepening ties and rejected “Israeli attacks,” while also focusing on an Aug. 9 memorandum to reorganize Russia’s Hmeimim air base and Tartus logistics facility, including transferring civilian facilities to Damascus and converting Russian military areas into joint training centers. US Delisting Ripple Effects: With Syria removed from the US state terrorism list, Damascus is moving to expand international connectivity, including new direct flights from Damascus to Vienna and Copenhagen, alongside expectations of easier investment and reconstruction. Israel–Syria Friction: Israel launched a raid in Jamlah village in Daraa countryside, as Damascus and regional partners renewed calls to respect sovereignty and halt repeated incursions. Turkey–Israel Tensions: Erdogan warned Turkey would not be deterred by “provocations,” amid heightened concern over Turkish military presence in Syria and Israel’s warnings. Humanitarian Return Pressure: Displaced residents in Sari Kaniye protested demanding faster, safe, voluntary returns, with roads reopened and mines cleared.

SDF Integration & Dissolution: Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) formally ended as an independent military force, with commander Mazloum Abdi announcing full integration into the Syrian army and state institutions in Damascus, alongside talk of a shift toward political participation and constitutional safeguards, including Kurdish language in education. US-Syria Delisting Push: Syria welcomed the US decision to remove it from the state sponsors of terrorism list after decades, calling it a “new chapter” for reconstruction and stability; interim leader Ahmad al-Sharaa echoed the “shakes off a dark stain” message as Gulf and Arab states—including Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, and the GCC—praised the move as opening the door to recovery and investment. Israel-Syria Tensions: Damascus condemned Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz’s “illegal” entry into the southern buffer area and reiterated calls for withdrawal, while Israel said it will keep troops as “threats” persist; separate reports also described Israeli raids and drone strikes in Quneitra and near Damascus, fueling sovereignty disputes. Regional Fault Line (Turkey): The week’s diplomacy is shadowed by Israel-Turkey friction after an Israeli strike near Abu al-Duhur, with Damascus and Ankara trading accusations over sovereignty and security arrangements. Governance & Appointments: Reports say Mazloum Abdi and Ilham Ahmed are set for new roles in Syria’s transitional governance framework, reflecting the post-SDF political reshuffle.

US-Syria Delisting: Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa hailed the US decision to remove Damascus from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list, calling it a “historic” step that could unlock investment and reconstruction after decades of isolation; the move also included delisting Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) from terrorism designations, while US officials stressed counterterrorism accountability remains unchanged. Regional Diplomacy: Saudi Arabia and the UAE welcomed the US move, framing it as support for Syria’s stability and integration into the global economy. Legal/Accountability Watch: A new analysis highlights how Assad’s death sentence in absentia could test a Syria-Russia extradition treaty, raising the question of whether Damascus will formally seek Assad’s return from Moscow. Security & De-escalation: Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz toured southern Syria and reiterated no withdrawal from its “security zone,” as Jordan hosted US-mediated Syria-Israel talks aimed at curbing escalation; meanwhile, Azerbaijan is reported to be mediating between Israel and Türkiye to prevent a wider clash. State-Building: Al-Sharaa met SDF commander Mazloum Abdi and Ilham Ahmed to discuss regional issues and mutual concerns, signaling continued integration talks. Economy & Connectivity: Syria’s civil aviation authority announced direct flights from Damascus to Vienna and Copenhagen starting September 21, and Lebanon and Syria discussed port and rail links to deepen economic integration. Human Rights: Human Rights Watch said trials of former Assad-regime figures are a step toward accountability but must include legal safeguards.

US Delisting: The United States formally removed Syria from its “State Sponsor of Terrorism” list after 47 years, and also delisted Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a move Damascus calls a historic milestone and a “final major barrier” to investment and reintegration. Diplomatic Reset: Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani framed the step as recognition of the new state’s shift away from terrorism-linked policies, while the US said it followed Damascus’ counterterrorism commitments. Israel-Syria De-escalation Talks: Syria and Israel held US-mediated talks in Jordan aimed at ending strikes inside Syria and reviving a security agreement, as tensions also remain tied to Turkey’s role. On-the-Ground Security: Reports from Quneitra and Daraa describe Israeli fortifications, drone activity, and temporary checkpoints amid continued incursions. Regional Trade & Routes: Türkiye and Qatar set a $5B trade target, while energy firms warn that Hormuz disruption is forcing alternative export routes—an issue that could shape Syria’s future logistics. Accountability in Courts: A Damascus court sentenced former Assad-era grand mufti Ahmad Hassoun to life in prison for inciting violence.

Assad-Era Accountability: A Damascus court sentenced former grand mufti Ahmed Hassoun to life in prison, citing incitement of sectarian strife, abuse of office, and justification of killings, with asset confiscation and no amnesty eligibility. Israel-Syria De-escalation: Jordan hosted Syria-Israel talks under US mediation after the Abu al-Duhur airbase strike, with Damascus saying contacts were halted after the attack and negotiators pushing “practical mechanisms” to reduce escalation. Southern Syria Under Pressure: Despite the talks, reports say Israeli forces entered areas of Daraa and carried out raids, detentions, and restrictions affecting daily life and farming. Turkey Factor: The airbase strike has kept Israel-Türkiye tensions high, with Ankara denying military presence and Israel warning against Turkish expansion, while US officials dispute claims about Turkish deployments. Regional Fallout: Iran warned expanded US sanctions would trigger retaliation, as the wider Middle East remains on edge amid escalating pressure around the Strait of Hormuz. Diplomacy and Mediation: Azerbaijan said it is mediating between Israel and Türkiye to prevent miscalculations, while the US continues parallel deconfliction efforts.

Israel-Syria De-escalation Talks: Senior Syrian and Israeli delegations met in Jordan under US mediation to halt strikes and revive negotiations for a security agreement, with Damascus demanding withdrawal to pre–Dec. 8, 2024 lines, restoration of the 1974 disengagement deal, and no limits on Syria’s right to rebuild its army and choose alliances. Golan Heights Row: The talks again put the occupied Golan at the center, while US envoy Tom Barrack walked back earlier remarks and reaffirmed Washington’s policy set by Trump in 2019. Turkey Factor in Syria: Multiple reports framed the recent airbase strike and subsequent diplomacy as tied to Israel-Turkey rivalry, with Syria saying it doesn’t trust Israel and that contacts were suspended after the Abu al-Duhur strike. Security Incidents Near Damascus: An explosive device hit a bus carrying Syrian internal security forces north of Damascus, wounding personnel, while Israel also reported thwarting an IED plot near Beit Jinn. Regional Diplomacy Beyond Israel: Saudi Arabia opened a visa “Tasheer” center in Damascus, signaling continued economic engagement as Syria also deepened ties with Pakistan after a 19-year gap. International Pressure: Kuwait condemned the Damascus bus attack, and Iran warned it could target Gulf oil routes if countries join US sanctions.

US-Syria Counterterrorism: Syria said the end of a 45-day US congressional review clears a key procedural step toward removing Damascus from Washington’s terrorism list, though final executive action and other sanctions would still take separate legal steps. Israel-Türkiye Deconfliction: As tensions spike after Israeli strikes on Syria’s Abu al-Duhur airbase, Israeli media reports secret Israel-Türkiye channels to avoid a direct clash, while Damascus insists Turkish forces are not seeking a permanent base. Security Talks Resume: Syria’s FM Asaad al-Shaibani told Reuters that security negotiations with Israel could restart soon, but only if attacks stop and trust-building steps begin. Cross-Border Incursions: Local sources reported two separate Israeli vehicle incursions into Daraa’s Yarmouk Basin, raising alarms among residents. Damascus Security Attack: A bomb hit a bus carrying Syria’s Internal Security Forces near Al Tal north of Damascus, with regional states condemning it as terrorism. Regional Diplomacy: Syria also signaled it will not abandon Turkish support while expecting Israel talks to move forward, even amid deep mistrust. Internal Pressure in Suwayda: An armed group blocked the Damascus-Suwayda road, turning back students and restricting civilian movement while allowing some essential supplies.

Israel-Türkiye Tensions: US envoy Tom Barrack said intelligence used to justify Israel’s Abu al-Duhur airbase strike was wrong, adding there may have been “miscommunication” and that neither Washington nor Ankara was warned in advance; Israel’s Katz hit back, saying Israel shared intelligence with the US. Syria Sovereignty Under Pressure: Damascus condemned an Israeli drone strike near Beit Jinn that hit a civilian vehicle, calling it a “blatant” violation, while Israel said it targeted a “terrorist” preparing attacks. Regional Diplomacy: Saudi Arabia and Jordan condemned a bombing of a Syrian security bus near Damascus, calling it terrorism and backing Syria’s security efforts. Kurdish Education Disruption: Kurdish-language schools in Aleppo, Al-Shahba and Afrin closed after fighting, leaving thousands of students and teachers in limbo. US-Syria Political Shift: Syria said a US congressional review cleared a key hurdle to removing Syria from the state sponsors of terrorism list, though final executive steps remain.

Israeli Drone Strike in Damascus Countryside: Syria’s foreign ministry condemned an Israeli drone attack on a vehicle near Beit Jinn, southwest of Damascus, injuring at least one person and calling it a “flagrant violation” of sovereignty and international law. Southern Syria Incursions: The same day, reports said Israeli forces carried out an incursion into Quneitra’s countryside near Al Raqad Dam, as drone and ground activity continues around Beit Jinn. US-Israel Rift Over Warnings: US envoy Tom Barrack said Washington was not warned before Israel struck the Abu al-Duhur airbase, adding US intelligence later judged claims about Turkish military activity there to be wrong, while Israel’s leadership rejected Barrack’s framing. Golan Heights Legal Clash: Barrack also reignited controversy by saying Israel “occupies” the Golan against UN resolutions, prompting sharp pushback from Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, who said the remarks contradict US policy. Diplomatic Pressure on Escalation: Syria urged the UN Security Council to act to stop repeated Israeli assaults, warning continued attacks will fuel regional instability and endanger civilians. Regional Alignment Talks: Syria’s foreign ministry said Damascus is considering joining the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, sometimes described as an “Islamic NATO,” while final decisions remain pending.

Chemical Weapons Accountability: Syria and France marked the 13th anniversary of the 2013 Ghouta sarin attacks by reiterating legal pursuit of former-regime chemical crimes, with Damascus requesting to join the International Alliance against Impunity for Chemical Weapons. Regional Diplomacy: Syria’s FM Asaad al-Shaibani told Pakistan it is still reviewing whether to join the Mecca Joint Defence pact, while calling Türkiye a “key partner” in reconstruction and urging Iran to first acknowledge harm done to Syrians. Security & Sovereignty: A coalition of 12 Arab and Muslim countries condemned Israel’s strikes on Syria’s Abu al-Duhur military airport as a “dangerous escalation” and a violation of sovereignty, urging respect for the 1974 disengagement deal. Israel–Türkiye Legal Clash: Türkiye moved to seek Interpol Red Notices for Netanyahu over the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla case, while Netanyahu’s office hit back, calling Erdogan an “antisemitic dictator” and warning against Turkish moves in Syria. State Integration Milestone: The SDF announced full integration into Syria’s national armed forces under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, completing a deal aimed at preserving Kurdish language and culture without creating a separate state-within-a-state.

Interpol Move: Turkey formally asked Interpol for Red Notices against Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and 35 officials over the Gaza-bound “Sumud” flotilla case, framing it as genocide and crimes against humanity; Turkey says it won’t allow impunity, while Interpol still must decide whether to issue the notices. Israel-Syria-Türkiye Flashpoint: Israel’s Aug. 18 strike on Syria’s Abu al-Duhur airbase—near the Turkish border—has triggered a diplomatic storm: Ankara denies any troop presence, Tel Aviv warns against “dangerous adventures,” and the U.S. calls the strikes “unnecessary escalation,” as regional governments condemn the attack. Kurdish Integration Watch: Syria says the Kurdish-led SDF has completed integration into state institutions, but Kurdish leaders stress constitutional and political rights remain unresolved. Pakistan-Syria Security Ties: Syria’s FM Asaad al-Shaibani met Pakistan’s top military leadership in Rawalpindi to expand defense and security cooperation, alongside plans for trade, direct flights, and a business council. Post-Custody Accountability: Activists protested the death in custody of Mohammed Ghamira in Latakia; authorities say a police investigator slapped him despite his hemophilia and a judicial process is underway.

Israel-Turkey-Syria Tensions: Syrian FM Asaad al-Shaibani told Axios Israel’s Abu al-Duhur airbase strike was unjustified, saying there was no plan for Turkish troops or a permanent Turkish presence there, as Israel insists it acted to stop a Turkish buildup and warns Ankara against expanding south. Southern Syria Incursions: Israeli forces entered Al-Duraiyat Hill and the outskirts of Al-Rafid in Quneitra, while artillery shelling and illumination flares sparked fires near Jabata al-Khashab, amid ongoing raids, arrests, and new positions. Kurdish Integration in Northeast Syria: SDF commander Mazloum Abdi said the merger of Kurdish civil and military institutions into Syria’s state structures is complete, marking a “new phase” after the January 29 integration deal. Syria Diplomacy & Trade: Syria’s foreign minister continued outreach in Pakistan, with talks covering sovereignty, the Golan Heights, and regional issues, alongside commerce meetings aimed at expanding trade and reconstruction cooperation. International Spotlight on Security: The US charged Albany woman Jessica Bowie in an ISIS-inspired plot targeting the New York State Capitol, with prosecutors saying she planned to disguise the device and flee to ISIS-controlled territory in Syria. Lebanon/Hezbollah Sanctions: The US announced fresh sanctions and re-designated Hezbollah under terrorism authorities, linking the group’s actions to Iran’s IRGC-Qods Force.

Israel–Turkey–Syria Airbase Standoff: Israel says it struck Syria’s Abu al-Duhur airbase to stop Turkish forces from deploying, with Netanyahu warning Ankara it “won’t tolerate” any Turkish military foothold moving south; Turkey Denies Involvement: Turkey’s defense ministry insists there was no Turkish delegation before or during the strike and calls the attack “unacceptable,” while Damascus rejects claims of any Turkish build-up; Diplomacy Under Pressure: Syria’s foreign minister Asaad al-Shaibani is in Pakistan for the first high-level visit in 19 years, meeting PM Shehbaz Sharif and discussing reconstruction and bilateral ties, as Pakistan reiterates support for Syria’s sovereignty and the Golan Heights; Regional Messaging: Turkey’s FM Hakan Fidan also held calls with Egypt and Saudi Arabia on Gaza and Syria-related developments; Accountability at Home: Lebanon extradited former Assad-era general Adel Issa to Syria for trial, marking a major shift away from Beirut as a safe haven; Justice and Rights: Syria says a police investigator will face prosecution after a detainee with hemophilia, Mohammad Ghamira, died following alleged abuse in custody.