Today’s news round highlights significant developments in Syria and Turkey’s evolving foreign policy. Human Rights Watch has condemned the Syrian government for mass unlawful asset freezes affecting hundreds of residents in Zakia, viewing these actions as collective punishment and a violation of property rights. Meanwhile, Foreign Policy reports that another uprising has started in Syria, with renewed unrest and challenges to President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, particularly in the southern regions of Daraa and Suweida. Concurrently, Turkey is making a dramatic U-turn in its Syria policy, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan seeking to normalize relations with Assad, reflecting a broader regional trend of rapprochement with Damascus. Despite this, significant obstacles remain, including Turkey’s military presence in Syria and conditions set by Assad for restoring ties. This roundup provides a comprehensive overview of the ongoing and complex dynamics in the region.
Mass Unlawful Asset Freezes Affect Hundreds in Zakia
Human Rights Watch published a report on how the Syrian government has been freezing assets of Syrians in certain areas.
Since early 2024, the report says, the Syrian Ministry of Finance has unlawfully frozen the assets of hundreds of residents from Zakia, a town south of Damascus. These actions, based on a 2012 decree, target individuals and their families under suspicion of terrorism, without formal charges. Human Rights Watch condemned these asset freezes as collective punishment and a violation of property rights.
The mass asset freezes seem to be part of a broader strategy of punishing communities in recaptured areas. Human Rights Watch reviewed decisions affecting hundreds in Zakia, with many targeted individuals never notified. Some residents discovered their asset freezes only when attempting transactions. Affected individuals include those who signed agreements to remain in Zakia, displaced persons, refugees, and even deceased individuals.
The asset freezes severely disrupt financial stability and impede livelihoods. A resident reported being unable to sell or rent his farmland due to the freeze. Appeals to the General Intelligence Directorate have gone unanswered.
According to the report, the freezes are based on Syria’s Law of Judicial Police Authority and the 2012 Counterterrorism Law, which broadly defines terrorism, allowing the government to label almost any act as a terrorist offence. These laws hinder the return of refugees and complicate international reconstruction efforts. Human Rights Watch calls for the Syrian government to provide specific reasons for asset freezes, allow appeals, and amend the counterterrorism law to ensure due process and fair trials.
Another Uprising Has Started in Syria
Foreign Policy is explaining in a new report that despite the supposed end of Syria’s civil war, President Bashar al-Assad’s control is deteriorating. Six years after the regime’s pivotal victory in Daraa, known as the “cradle of the revolution,” Assad’s authority is again under threat. The regime’s reliance on Russian and Iranian support, coupled with international disengagement, has allowed Assad to survive rather than win.
Southern Syria, particularly Daraa and Suweida, is experiencing significant unrest. Former opposition fighters and local armed factions have become bolder, frequently challenging regime abuses. In Daraa, kidnappings and attacks on regime checkpoints have become common. In Suweida, locals have protested for over 330 days, and recent regime attempts to establish security checkpoints have been met with fierce resistance.
This resurgence of opposition includes kidnappings, executions, and direct attacks on regime forces, showcasing a crumbling regime authority. Meanwhile, the regime struggles to combat a resurgent Islamic State, with frequent attacks in Syria’s central desert.
The article concludes that Assad’s regime faces increasing instability and challenges, signalling an unresolved and potentially escalating crisis in Syria.
Turkey assures Syria of territorial integrity amid normalization
Turkey has assured Syria of its commitment to the country’s territorial integrity amid ongoing efforts to normalize relations, The Daily Sabah reported.
Turkish Defense Ministry sources emphasized that Turkey’s military presence in Syria is for self-defence against terrorism and to protect its borders. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has shown a willingness for dialogue, seeking normalization while maintaining that Turkish operations contribute to Syria’s territorial integrity and stability.
Syrian leader Bashar Assad has made the withdrawal of Turkish troops and an end to Turkish support for the Syrian opposition conditions for restoring ties. Assad expressed openness to a meeting with Erdoğan, contingent on addressing these issues.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan confirmed ongoing contacts between the two countries at all levels. Erdoğan announced plans to develop a roadmap for reviving relations, marking a significant step since the unrest began in Syria in 2011.
Despite attempts at reconciliation sponsored by Russia and Iran, meetings between Turkish and Syrian officials have yet to yield concrete results. The push for normalization comes amid recent tensions and anti-Turkish attacks in Syria’s north, along with riots in Turkey targeting Syrian refugees.
Why Turkey is doing a U-turn on Syria
Kamal Alam wrote an analysis in Middle East Eye explaining the reasons behind President’s Erdogan shift to reconcile with Syria’s Assad.
Alam wrote that Turkey’s policy towards Syria has shifted dramatically, moving from backing anti-Assad rebels to seeking to mend ties with Damascus. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who once vowed to remove Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, is now aiming to reset relations, even inviting Assad to visit Turkey. This shift reflects a broader regional trend, with countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE also reestablishing ties with Syria.
The Turkish opposition, led by CHP’s Ozgur Ozel, is also pursuing engagement with Assad, potentially outpacing Erdogan in this diplomatic race. This reflects a consensus in Turkey that working with Assad is necessary, particularly in light of Turkey’s failed Syria policy, rising xenophobia, economic challenges, and military struggles in northern Syria.
Critics question the benefits of Turkey’s previous support for the Syrian opposition, noting that it has led to destabilization within Turkey itself. Assad demands a Turkish roadmap for withdrawal from Syria before considering a meeting. The potential for Erdogan or Ozel to meet Assad marks a significant policy shift and underscores the failure of Turkey’s efforts to oust Assad. This U-turn is also influenced by Assad’s alliances with Turkey’s regional rivals, which have pressured Erdogan into reconsidering his stance.
