AGP Executive Report

IAEA Nuclear Probe: The UN nuclear watchdog says it confirmed Syria tried to build a nuclear reactor at a Deir Az Zor site under Bashar al-Assad, finding cooling infrastructure “consistent with” a reactor after August inspections and noting former authorities failed to report nuclear materials and activities. Israel-Syria Talks: Israel’s bid for a security agreement with Damascus reportedly failed over the buffer zone, with Israel refusing any withdrawal and both sides keeping communication channels open. Kurdish Language Fight: Kurdish communities in Kobanê, Hesekê and Zirgan protested a new education plan cutting Kurdish-language instruction to three hours weekly, calling Kurdish a “red line” for identity. YPJ Uncertainty: Kurdish women fighters (YPJ) say Damascus told them there’s “no place” for them in the army, with talks focused on whether they can join as intact special units under interior security. Hezbollah Denial: Hezbollah categorically denied links to a security cell accused of destabilizing Lebanon and Syria. Regional Energy Angle: Syria is pitching itself as an overland energy corridor as Gulf oil shipments via Iraq and the port of Baniyas expand.

UN Resolution on Missing Persons: The UN General Assembly adopted a Syria-sponsored resolution setting December 19 as an International Day recognizing women searching for missing family members, spotlighting the risks and discrimination they face after years of war and enforced disappearances. Nuclear File Update: The IAEA says it has closed its investigation into Syria’s covert nuclear activities under Assad, confirming about 73 tons of undeclared natural uranium (including 55 tons in fuel rods) and infrastructure “consistent with a nuclear reactor” in Deir ez-Zor. UXO Toll: A mine-action report warns that since Assad’s fall, 2,375 people have been killed or injured by war remnants, with children among the victims. Hasakah Integration: Syrian government forces entered Hasakah as part of security integration steps after the SDF’s dissolution. Sweida Exams Dispute: In Sweida, students and families say exam access has become a political roadblock, with thousands unable to reach designated centers. New Gulf Energy Route Talk: Analysts say pipeline plans may reduce Strait of Hormuz reliance, but the strait will likely remain strategically important. Damascus Church Appointment: A Maronite pastor in Minneapolis was named archbishop-elect for the Damascus Archeparchy.

Nuclear Watch: The UN nuclear watchdog and IAEA say Syria under ousted Bashar al-Assad failed to report nuclear material and activities, confirming infrastructure “consistent with a nuclear reactor” in Deir Az Zor and listing related fuel fabrication and storage sites. Diplomacy: Syria’s foreign minister says Damascus remains committed to US-mediated talks with Israel and calls for Israeli withdrawal from occupied territory and a seized UN buffer zone, even as incursions continue. Humanitarian Risk: A mine-clearance charity warns unexploded ordnance is still killing or injuring people every six hours, citing a Damascus-countryside case where a blast killed a 17-year-old and injured siblings. Security & Justice: Police in South Korea report arrests of Uzbek nationals accused of using crypto to fund a Syria-based ISIS-linked group and shipping vehicles and excavators back to Syria. Europe Re-engagement: Denmark reopened its Damascus embassy after 14 years and pledged $76 million for recovery, stabilization, and refugee return support. Regional Tensions: Reports say three missiles were intercepted over southern Syria’s Daraa countryside, with the strike aimed at Jordan.

Ammunition Blast in Idlib: A vehicle packed with ammunition exploded in Binnish, northwestern Idlib, killing at least five people and wounding several others, with residents reporting panic and ongoing secondary blasts near an arms depot. Israel-Syria Diplomacy: Syria’s foreign minister said Damascus is still pursuing a diplomatic solution with Israel through U.S.-mediated talks, even as Israeli strikes and troop incursions continue in places like Quneitra and the Damascus countryside. Qatar Warns on Hormuz: Qatar cautioned that any continued closure or escalation around the Strait of Hormuz could spark wider regional conflict, urging de-escalation and a return to negotiations. Lebanon Stops Cyprus Boat Plan: Lebanese security said it stopped an alleged scheme to send about 25 Syrians by sea to Cyprus, arresting a suspected smuggler linked to a wider trafficking route. Denmark Reopens Damascus Embassy: Denmark reopened its embassy in Damascus after 14 years and pledged $76 million for Syria’s recovery and stability, with plans for direct flights starting Sept. 21. Kurdish Education Move: Syria is preparing to expand Kurdish-language education in schools, including in Qamishli, ahead of the new school year.

Kurdish Education Expansion: Syria is rolling out Kurdish-language teaching across public and private schools in Kurdish-majority areas, with three Kurdish lessons per week counting toward grades, ahead of the new academic year. Security in Suwayda: Syrian internal security forces were wounded in clashes with armed “outlaw groups” in rural Suwayda, where drones were used against positions near al-Mansoura, while Druze National Guard accused government shelling west of Suwayda. Humanitarian Diplomacy: Syria’s foreign ministry delegation praised Kuwait and the Kuwait Red Crescent for sustained aid during the crisis, and discussed a new coordination mechanism for upcoming projects. Deir ez-Zor Landmines: A landmine blast in Deir ez-Zor killed eight people, including three children, and injured others. Finance and Investment Push: Syria reported public revenue more than doubled in H1 2026, while spending surged sharply; separately, the UAE’s Arada and the Syrian Sovereign Fund signed a $7B Damascus-area real estate deal. Tech Upgrade: Saudi firm aixplain and Syriatel agreed to deploy Saudi-developed AI infrastructure across Syriatel’s network, reaching over 12 million subscribers.

Healthcare Support: The EU is sending €12 million via WHO to back Syria’s health system, including medicines for noncommunicable diseases, emergency care, mental health services, and supplies for dialysis, ERs, surgery and ICUs. SDF Integration & Kurdish Politics: Syria’s Kurdish-led SDF has been dissolved and fighters are being integrated into the Syrian state military, while Kurdish groups push for constitutional and education rights; a Kurdish pavilion is also drawing attention at the Damascus International Fair. Regional Security Tensions: Israel and Turkey-related friction is rising as Israeli reporting points to increased Turkish naval activity in the Mediterranean and preparations tied to Syria’s al-Duhur airport. Finance After US Delisting: With the US removing Syria from its State Sponsors of Terrorism list, analysts stress the shift won’t instantly bring investment—banks, laws and contract enforcement still matter. Economy & Infrastructure: Iraq warns it may not fully benefit from higher Euphrates flows from Syria due to sediment, weak dredging, limited transfer capacity, and poor data-sharing.

Diplomacy: Syria reopened its embassy in Tripoli after a 14-year closure, with Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani inaugurating the mission and meeting Libya’s PM Abdulhamid Dbeibah to revive cooperation, including a joint higher committee and consular/security talks. Regional ties: Turkey and Syria also completed a floating bridge over the Euphrates in Deir ez-Zor, aimed at easing local transport after earlier flooding damage. Security on the ground: Israeli forces carried out a ground incursion and checkpoint operations in Quneitra’s northern countryside near UNDOF positions, while artillery shelling hit areas in southern Suwayda, killing a displaced woman and her tractor driver. Politics & military integration: Syria’s interim leadership continues reshaping the post-war order, including appointing Kurdish leader Mazloum Abdi as a presidential adviser after the dissolution and integration of Kurdish-led forces. Economy & global links: Damascus highlighted renewed economic engagement as the Damascus International Fair opened under “Syria Shines Again,” with officials stressing B2B/B2G investment talks. Sports (Syria in focus): New Zealand thrashed Syria 126-74 in FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers, while India begins its AFC U20 qualifying campaign against Syria in Tashkent.

Damascus Reconnects to Global Finance: Visa and Mastercard have started international card transactions in Syria, with the Syrian president making a first Visa payment in Damascus after the U.S. removed Syria from its state sponsors of terrorism list, though coverage is not yet nationwide. Education in the Northeast: The University of Rojava in Qamishlo condemned a Syrian education ministry plan that limits Kurdish-language instruction to three classes a week, warning it will undermine scientific teaching in the mother tongue. Southern Syria Exam Disruption: In Suwayda, “outlaw groups” blocked students from reaching exam centers for a second day, setting up checkpoints and attacking students on foot; the province has seen repeated interference tied to local Druze political tensions. Regional Diplomacy: Syria’s foreign minister met Libya’s PM in Tripoli to revive bilateral cooperation and reopen the Syrian consulate in Benghazi. Sports—Syria in the Spotlight: In AFC U20 qualifiers, New Zealand beat Syria 126-74, while India prepares to face Syria in its opener.

US-Syria Delisting & Finance: Syria’s first international card payments in more than 15 years were processed after Washington removed Syria from the State Sponsor of Terrorism list, with Visa and Mastercard transactions reported in cooperation with QNB and local partners—an early sign of financial reopening. Kurdish Integration: Syria’s interim leadership moves ahead with national unification steps after the dissolution of the Kurdish-led SDF framework, including the appointment of Mazloum Abdi as a presidential adviser and broader integration into state structures. Israeli Strikes Despite Talks: Israel shelled southern Syria again, targeting areas near Beit Jinn/Bat al-Warda Hill, even after US-mediated de-escalation efforts and Syrian-Israeli delegation meetings. Power & Weather Disruptions: A storm knocked out power across parts of central Homs province, forcing repairs to restore medium-voltage lines. Anti-Drug Operations: Syria’s anti-narcotics authorities seized 138 kg of hashish and 382,000 pills in Suwayda. Diplomacy: Qatar’s foreign ministry minister Al Khulaifi spoke by phone with Syria’s FM Asaad al-Shaibani, stressing support for Syria’s sovereignty and unity.

SDF integration and Kurdish language shift: Syria’s new leadership has named former SDF chief Mazloum Abdi as a presidential adviser after the Kurdish-led force’s dissolution, while the education ministry approved Kurdish-language teaching in schools as a “national language,” with Kurdish sessions weekly and options for some subjects to be taught in Kurdish or Arabic. Regional diplomacy: Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani told Damascus that Syria’s stability depends on protecting the rights of all its components, and Turkey’s FM Hakan Fidan held calls with Qatar and Egypt on Syria and regional issues. Security and governance friction: In Sweida, Druze factions blocked students from taking official exams in government areas, escalating tensions with the Damascus-appointed governor. Finance and sanctions: The US removed Syria from its state sponsor of terrorism list, opening the door to broader financial integration, including Visa/Mastercard payments reported as restarting in Syria.

SDF integration and Kurdish-language shift: Syria’s transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa appointed Mazloum Abdi, the former SDF commander, as a presidential adviser after Abdi announced the SDF’s dissolution and integration into state institutions. Education and rights: Syria also moved to allow Kurdish-language teaching in schools in Kurdish areas, a major change for Kurds seeking recognition. Financial reopening: Syria’s return to global payments accelerated as Visa and Mastercard processed Syria’s first international card transactions in more than 15 years, with officials saying the U.S. delisting from its terrorism sponsor list is helping unlock banking and investment. Diplomacy and sovereignty: Qatar, speaking for the Arab Group at the UN Security Council, reiterated support for Syria’s unity and territorial integrity and urged removing obstacles to recovery and international integration. Security pressure in the south: Israeli forces carried out raids and searches in Quneitra, including in Taranja and Umm Batna, according to Syrian state media. Regional reaction: Iraq’s foreign ministry praised the SDF absorption into Syrian state institutions as a step toward stability and sovereignty.

Israeli Incursions in Quneitra: Israeli forces raided and searched a home in Taranga village in Quneitra’s countryside, as patrols and vehicle movements continued across southern Syria, with no immediate details on arrests or damage. Hasakah Courthouse Blast: A bomb exploded outside a courthouse in Hasakah, killing two people; investigators cordoned off the area and no group claimed responsibility. SDF Dissolution Fallout: Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa appointed former SDF commander Mazloum Abdi as a presidential adviser, signaling rapprochement after the Kurdish-led force’s dissolution and integration into state structures; the move also comes as Abdi remains a target for Turkey. Kurdish Language and Integration: Syria expanded Kurdish-language teaching in schools and pushed integration steps, while the UK welcomed SDF dissolution as a step toward stability. Turkey-Syria Ties: Ankara granted visa exemptions to Syrians with diplomatic passports and pushed deeper trade and reconstruction cooperation, including Aleppo-focused economic efforts. Diplomacy vs Escalation: Syria’s UN envoy warned that Israeli strikes and incursions are pushing the region toward catastrophe, even as US-backed de-escalation talks continue.

Kurdish Integration & Governance: Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa appointed Mazloum Abdi, former SDF leader, as a presidential adviser, days after the SDF’s dissolution and fighter integration into state structures—while the UK welcomed the move as a step toward a unified Syria. Kurdish-Language Education: Syria’s education ministry expanded Kurdish instruction in public and private schools in Kurdish-majority areas, setting three lessons per week and allowing a one-year transition for some subjects to be taught in Kurdish. US Delisting & Financial Reconnect: The US removed Syria from its state sponsor of terrorism list, and Visa and Mastercard processed Syria’s first international card payments in more than 15 years, with the president reportedly using a Visa card—raising hopes for investment, though banks still face infrastructure gaps. Israel-Syria Tensions: Israeli strikes and raids continued around Damascus and Quneitra despite US calls for de-escalation, with Damascus accusing Israel of undermining stabilization efforts. Humanitarian Movement: UNHCR said about 220,000 registered Syrian refugees have returned from Jordan since Dec 2024, with returns accelerating in 2026.

Visa Payment Breakthrough: Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa made the country’s first international Visa card payment in 15 years in Damascus, with Central Bank Governor Safwat Raslan present, as Visa and Mastercard move to enable live cross-border transactions after the U.S. removed Syria from its state sponsor of terrorism list. Kurdish Rights in Schools: Syria’s education system will formally add Kurdish language instruction starting the 2026-2027 academic year, following Decree No. 13 and ministry guidance that allow Kurdish as an elective in areas with significant Kurdish populations. SDF Integration Push: The Syrian Democratic Forces’ dissolution continues to ripple through the northeast: Kurdish women fighters in the YPJ say they met with the Interior Ministry about integrating their units into government structures. Regional Security Tensions: Israel carried out strikes and ground raids in southern Syria and Lebanon despite U.S.-backed de-escalation efforts, while Türkiye said it has not received a formal U.S. request for a Syria-Israel deconfliction mechanism. Accountability in Damascus: A Damascus court sentenced Abdel Nasser Baraqi to death for crimes including enforced disappearance, torture resulting in death, and war crimes. Returns from Jordan: UNHCR says about 220,000 registered Syrian refugees have returned from Jordan since Dec. 2024, with nearly 45,000 returning in 2026 so far.

SDF Integration & Kurdish Rights: Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) formally dissolved as fighters and civilian structures move into Syrian state institutions, with Damascus also moving to recognize Kurdish language rights in the northeast, drawing cautious hope from local Kurds and broad regional welcome. U.S. Delisting & Banking Shift: Syria’s removal from the U.S. state sponsor of terrorism list is already being framed as a practical unlock for rebuilding—officials say it removes a key barrier to using SWIFT and could bring more Western, Arab and Turkish banks, alongside faster electronic payments. Reconstruction Push: President Ahmed al-Sharaa used the opening of the 63rd Damascus International Fair to declare a new reconstruction era after sanctions relief, pitching Syria as a trade corridor linking East and West. Israel-Syria Tensions: Israel carried out raids in Quneitra’s Taranja after renewed incursions, while Syria and Israel held U.S.-mediated talks in Amman aimed at de-escalation after strikes near Abu al-Duhur and incidents in southern Syria. Justice in Damascus: A Damascus court sentenced former grand mufti Ahmad Hassoun to life imprisonment for crimes including inciting civil war and sectarian fighting.

SDF integration and state-building: Syrian Democratic Forces commander Mazloum Abdi announced the end of the SDF as an independent force, with fighters and affiliated structures set to fully integrate into Syrian state institutions, following talks with President Ahmed al-Sharaa and steps toward absorbing Kurdish-led administration bodies. Regional reactions: Qatar welcomed the move as a step toward consolidating civil peace and a single-armed state, while Turkey’s ruling AK Party and Ankara framed the dissolution as strengthening Syria’s internal unity and state authority. Russia-Syria ties: In a phone call, Vladimir Putin reaffirmed support for Syria’s sovereignty and rejected “Israeli attacks,” while both leaders discussed expanding cooperation and a new plan to reorganize Russia’s Hmeimim air base and Tartus logistics under Damascus control. Economy and access: With Syria removed from the US terrorism sponsor list, Damascus said it is adding direct European flights, including Syrian Airlines routes to Vienna and Copenhagen, signaling a push to reopen travel and investment channels. Human impact: In southern Syria’s Daraa countryside, reports said Israeli forces raided Jamlah village, searching homes amid reconnaissance flights. Business in Aleppo: Turkish retailer LC Waikiki began production at a new Aleppo facility, aiming to scale up staffing and supply both local markets and exports.