Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has denounced the ousted Assad regime’s reliance on Iranian militias, characterizing their presence as a regional threat and a destabilizing force. Sharaa’s administration is actively seeking to repair strained international relations, initiating diplomatic efforts with Turkey and Saudi Arabia to facilitate Syria’s reconstruction and the return of refugees. While facing significant domestic challenges, including establishing a new political system and addressing past human rights abuses, Sharaa aims to create a more inclusive and democratic Syria. However, the US remains largely disengaged from the new Syrian government.
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Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s newly appointed transitional president, announced plans to establish an inclusive government representing all communities. This government will oversee the country’s administration and institution-building until free and fair elections can be held. A small legislative body will be formed to replace the dissolved parliament, and a national dialogue conference will be convened to discuss Syria’s future political program and the drafting of a new constitution. This entire transitional process, including constitutional reform and elections, is anticipated to take up to four years.
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Following recent EU pressure linking sanctions relief to the withdrawal of foreign forces, Russia affirmed that the future of its Syrian military bases remains under discussion. Further consultations are planned to determine the scope of continued Russian military presence. Russia emphasized the importance of an inclusive political dialogue in resolving Syrian issues. While no immediate changes are anticipated, the cancellation of a Russian port management contract suggests potential shifts in the relationship.
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Syria’s de facto leader declaring himself president and abolishing the constitution isn’t entirely surprising, given the country’s history and current circumstances. The existing constitution, crafted under Assad’s decades-long dictatorship, is fundamentally incompatible with a genuine transition to a more representative government. Rewriting the foundational legal document is a necessary, if not entirely unexpected, step in the process of rebuilding the nation.
This action shouldn’t be interpreted as inherently positive or negative in isolation. The focus should instead be on the long-term implications and the steps taken to create a new constitution and ultimately, a more functional political system. Judging this leader’s actions based on this single event, just weeks after taking power, is premature.… Continue reading
Following a meeting between Russian and Syrian officials, Damascus demanded reparations from Moscow for past actions, aiming to rebuild trust and address “past mistakes.” This request for compensation, reconstruction, and recovery coincided with Russia’s efforts to maintain its two military bases in Syria. The Syrian administration also stressed the need for Russia to respect Syrian interests and the will of its people. The outcome of these negotiations will significantly impact Russia’s continued military presence in the Middle East, particularly concerning the future of its key naval and air bases.
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Following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, Syria’s new government has reportedly terminated the 2017 agreement granting Russia a 49-year lease on the Tartus port, demanding the immediate withdrawal of Russian forces. This action also reverses the revenue-sharing arrangement, with Syria now retaining all profits from the port. The Syrian government also implemented import bans on goods from Russia, Iran, and Israel. Moscow has yet to officially respond to these significant developments.
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Syria’s newly installed government has enacted a sweeping ban on goods from Russia, Iran, and Israel, effective January 17th. All affected goods found at border crossings will be seized. This action follows a recent restriction on entry for citizens of Iran and Israel and comes amid burgeoning ties between Syria and Ukraine, which recently sent its first official delegation in years. The ban’s impact on regional stability and trade remains to be seen.
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In a rare public rebuke, Iranian Brigadier General Behrouz Esbati accused Russia of misleading Iran about its military actions in Syria, claiming that Russian airstrikes targeted empty deserts instead of Syrian rebels. Esbati, a senior commander in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, partially blamed Russia for the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government, citing this deception and Russia’s alleged inaction during Israeli strikes. He also highlighted internal Syrian corruption as a contributing factor. These accusations, while unverified, represent a significant departure from Iran’s official stance and reveal strained relations between Tehran and Moscow.
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Damascus International Airport resumed full international operations on January 7th, with the arrival of a Qatar Airways flight, marking the first such flight in nearly 13 years. A Syrian Airlines flight to the UAE also departed, signifying a return to international commercial travel after a month-long closure following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad. This event coincides with renewed diplomatic efforts by Syria’s new authorities to re-engage with the international community and rebuild the war-torn nation. The airport’s reopening, following damage and theft, is seen as a symbol of hope and a new beginning.
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Recently surfaced videos, verified by Verify-sy, reportedly show Syria’s interim justice minister, Shadi al-Waisi, reading execution sentences in 2015 while serving as a judge under the HTS-led government. A senior official anonymously confirmed al-Waisi’s identity in the footage, which depicts the sentencing of two women for “corruption and prostitution.” While the official stated the actions were legal at the time, the videos have sparked significant online criticism and calls for al-Waisi’s resignation, raising questions about the compatibility of such practices with Syria’s new administration.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood