During Sharaa’s visit to the Élysée Palace in Paris on Wednesday, Macron criticized Israeli actions in Syria as “unacceptable”.
Azerbaijan’s approach mirrors broader trends in global energy diplomacy, akin to China’s engagement in Africa or Russia’s energy-based influence in Libya, Syria TV writes.
To shield itself from Israel, Syria has to remove the very vulnerabilities iit exploits—sectarian divisions, weak institutions, and a fractured social contract, Marwan Kabalan writes.
Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated hours before Sharaa’s arrival that Paris “will not issue a blank cheque,” stressing the need for accountability, justice, and structural reform.
UAE-facilitated dialogue could represent a tentative first step toward deconfliction or even longer-term security arrangements, al-Modon writes.
Lebanon is renewing pressure on Syria to resolve the long-standing issue of hundreds of Lebanese citizens who disappeared in Syrian custody during the Assad era, Shaam writes.
According to the French presidency, Macron will “reaffirm France’s support for the construction of a new Syria – a free, stable, and sovereign state that respects all components of Syrian society.”
According to Israel’s Channel N12, citing the Turkish opposition outlet Sozcu, Turkish F-16s conducted reconnaissance flights in the same area where Israeli jets were operating and issued “warning messages” via electronic warfare systems, al-Modon writes.
France has actively mediated between the SDF and the KNC to bridge longstanding divisions and promote a unified Kurdish stance in Syria.
Despite refusing to join the Abraham Accords, Damascus affirmed its commitment to building a Syria that does not seek to threaten any other party, Syria TV says.
It remains unclear whether Washington has formally responded to the Syrian communication.
Syria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the UK’s decision, calling on international partners to lift all remaining sanctions that are hindering the country’s recovery.
Barzani and Abdi emphasized the importance of Kurdish participation—as well as that of all Syrian communities—in shaping the country’s future governance.
Sharaa also voiced concerns over Iranian efforts to destabilize Syria.
The two foreign ministers agreed to form a Supreme Coordination Council tasked with overseeing cooperation across key sectors.
The timing of the arrests—less than two days after a visit by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to Damascus—has fueled speculation about political motives.
The French-Alawite Collective submitted a lawsuit to the Paris Public Prosecutor accusing Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and members of his transitional government of genocide and ethnic cleansing against Alawite civilians in Syria’s coastal regions.
Despite ongoing engagement, the United States maintains an ambiguous stance towards Syria’s new leadership, al-Araby al-Jadeed writes.
The visit comes amid reports, including from Politico, that the U.S. State Department and Treasury are considering easing long-standing sanctions on Syria
While the document covers wide-ranging security issues, it notably omits concrete demands for the establishment of a transitional government, constitutional reform, or implementation of transitional justice.
