Loading...
Loading...
The Levant is experiencing a dual-track normalization, with Syria securing major economic deals and political integration while Lebanon remains mired in security and economic precarity. The US pressures Syria on telecoms and withdraws militarily, as Hezbollah maintains its alliance with Iran amid low-level conflict with Israel.
February 2026
Week of Feb 16, compared to 12-week average
Syria's economy is consolidating through major foreign investments and a reported budget surplus, while Lebanon seeks infrastructure and trade lifelines. Syria signed landmark offshore oil deals with Chevron and a Qatari investor and secured Saudi investment, with the IMF noting a budget surplus and an aid program. Lebanon expressed interest in joining the US-led IMEC trade corridor and plans to open a second airport, as Aegean Airlines suspended flights to Beirut.
Syria is advancing political integration with former adversaries while attracting Gulf support, as the US engages on diplomacy. Syria and the Kurdish-led SDF reached an integration deal, and Saudi Arabia's Prince Faisal affirmed support for Syria. The US, via Rubio, expressed satisfaction with Syria's trajectory and planned discussions on Lebanon and Gaza, while Hezbollah consistently expressed solidarity with Iran.
The security landscape is defined by a managed Israel-Hezbollah conflict and a significant US military withdrawal from Syria. Israel conducted airstrikes on Hezbollah targets and detained Lebanese citizens, while Hezbollah did not announce new action. The US vacated the key al-Tanf base in Syria, transferring thousands of detainees to Iraq, which allowed the Syrian army to take over former US positions.
Societal focus remains on displacement and humanitarian issues, with Jordan as a primary hub for refugees and medical evacuations. Prince Harry and Meghan visited Jordan to meet Gaza refugees, and children from Gaza returned home after medical treatment there. Syria's government returned property to Syrian Jews and labeled the Al-Hol camp a 'forced detention camp', while a building collapse in Tripoli, Lebanon, killed five.