Syria… The Question and the Stakes of Normalization
AL-ARABY AL-JADEED
July 9, 2025
In an article in Al-Araby al-Jadeed, Marwan Kabalan wonders at what cost would Israel agree to Syria’s conditions for normalization.
In an article in Al-Araby al-Jadeed, Marwan Kabalan wonders at what cost would Israel agree to Syria’s conditions for normalization.
Despite official denials, Israeli and international media outlets continue to speculate about the existence of a quiet negotiation track between Syria and Israel, Shaam writes.
While some of the detainees have since been released, the fate of others remains unknown, Sawt al-Asima writes.
In recent days, Israeli officials have dismissed the possibility that Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa would agree to any peace deal without a complete Israeli withdrawal from the occupied Golan Heights, Syria TV writes.
President Sharaa met with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Israeli media suggests the Golan issue may no longer be a red line in future negotiations.
The Syrian government has officially denied the existence of any peace negotiations with Israel, asserting that such discussions are “premature” and contingent on specific conditions.
The New York Times reports that the Trump administration has lifted most U.S. sanctions on Syria as a goodwill gesture toward the country’s new president, Ahmad al-Sharaa
Trump’s decision marks one of the most dramatic shifts in U.S. Middle East policy.
Syria’s leadership appears focused on buying time and avoiding conflict with Israel while it addresses urgent internal priorities, al-Araby al-Jadeed writes.
The complaint, brought by human rights advocate Imadeddin Al-Muntasser, claims that the defendants misused their political visibility and past affiliations with the Syrian opposition to lure investments into what he describes as fake ventures.
While momentum toward normalization between Syria and Israel appears real, 963 media writes.
While the Biden and Trump administrations issued limited sanctions waivers and Treasury licenses in the wake of Syria’s transition, the Omar-Luna bill marks the first legislative attempt to permanently repeal the underlying authorities.
Throughout the conflict, Syrians followed developments on both fronts with equal intensity, Abdul Monem Halabi writes for Syria TV.
Husariya said the bank considers the decision “a significant step that supports Syria’s economic recovery and expands prospects for international cooperation.”
Shaheen underscored the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement, expressing her readiness to work closely with U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barak, according to 963.
For several days, Israeli forces have been pushing deeper into Syrian territory near Quneitra, triggering fears among local residents, al-Hal writes.
Videos have circulated of Syrians lounging on balconies or in cafés, sipping coffee and smoking shisha, watching missiles arc across the sky, al-Modon reports.
The ministry described the operation as a flagrant violation of Syrian sovereignty and international law, Syria TV writes.
This economic outreach comes amid an expanding Emirati footprint in Syria’s port infrastructure, 963 writes.
