Levant: Politics

Domestic

Syria's new government has taken two significant steps, beginning the return of property to Syrian Jewish families who left decades ago. Separately, it made a deal with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in the Rojava region involving a prisoner transfer, seen as a step toward a political transition. Concurrently, a Syrian official, Bassam Kosa, stated that President Bashar al-Assad had fled Damascus, describing a collapse of the regime after 25 years in power. Violence and humanitarian problems continue in the country.

In northeastern Syria, Kurds are worried their self-governing region is coming to an end, fearing a loss of autonomy and feeling abandoned by international allies. Turkey's foreign minister has commented on the situation, highlighting the need for rights and security for Syria's Kurds.

International

Israel conducted military strikes in Lebanon, which were condemned by Hezbollah, Ansarullah, and Iran. The latter accused Israel of violating a ceasefire. In Lebanon, Hezbollah is under pressure to show restraint, with the prime minister stating he would not allow the group to drag the country into a new conflict. Separately, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham ended a meeting with a Lebanese general after the general refused to label Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, with Graham later calling Lebanon an unreliable partner.

The United States is making plans to withdraw its troops from Syria, raising major concerns about the fate of the Kurdish-led forces, who have been key U.S. allies. At the same time, the U.S. is planning to reopen its embassy in Syria after 14 years. Elsewhere, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Jordan's King Abdullah II in Cairo for talks focused on Gaza and regional tensions.