The View from Damascus – OK, Assad Has Fallen: What’s Next?
THE SYRIAN OBSERVER
March 20, 2025
Syria today faces a defining test of leadership and vision.
Syria today faces a defining test of leadership and vision.
Acknowledging the wounds inflicted by the Assad era should have led to the recognition that Syria’s tyrannical past must not dictate its future possibilities, Hossam Abu Hamed argues in Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.
While Turkey has not commented on the incident, the attack is part of a broader pattern of escalating violence in northern Syria, where drone strikes have become increasingly common amid ongoing tensions between Ankara and Kurdish-led forces.
Efforts to stabilize the energy sector include additional gas supplies from northeastern Syria, cooperation with regional partners like Jordan, and plans for renewable energy projects, including a 100-megawatt solar plant near Damascus.
Germany announced on Monday a new aid package worth €300 million for Syria, ahead of the European Union–hosted donor conference in Brussels aimed at mobilising funds for Damascus following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad.
Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad, Israel has sought to portray itself as a defender of minorities across Syria, Al-Majalla writes.
The committee is expected to meet with Abdi this Wednesday in the northeastern province of Hassakeh, al-Modon writes.
The discussions reportedly focus on 974,000 Syrian refugees currently residing in Germany, Syria TV writes.
The ministry warned against ignoring the severe impact of the unilateral sanctions imposed on Syria.
Kurdish and Syriac political organizations have been among the most vocal in their opposition to the constitutional declaration.
Vance revealed that Washington is conducting discussions with its allies behind closed doors, aiming to encourage Syria’s new government— which he described as “hardline”— to safeguard minority groups.
Despite diplomatic overtures and limited sanctions relief, Syria’s new leadership faces significant challenges in convincing the West that it is a viable and trustworthy partner for reconstruction.
U.S. mediation was prompted by growing military indications that President Donald Trump’s administration was seriously considering withdrawing American forces from Syria in the near future
Tel Aviv views a major challenge in Trump’s intention to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria, Shaam reports.
The agreement stipulates the integration of all civil and military institutions in northeastern Syria into the administration of the Syrian state, including border crossings, airports, and oil and gas fields.
In recent weeks, Israeli military operations in southern Syria have intensified, Syria TV writes.
In a statement, the EU emphasized that Syrian authorities acted swiftly to contain the situation and called for a full investigation into the violations, Enab Baladi writes.
The formation of the Civil Peace Committee underscores the Syrian government’s efforts to mend the fractures left by the Assad regime, Syria TV argues.
One protester told North Press that a group of young men from outside the gathering stormed the demonstration, leading to verbal altercations and physical scuffles between the two sides.
The transitional government, led by Ahmed Al-Sharaa, has struggled to maintain credibility in the wake of events on the Syrian coast.
