Notes on Syria’s New Currency
THE SYRIAN OBSERVER
January 5, 2026
The currency change has come without the level of national consultation that a decision of this magnitude requires, Wael Sawah argues.
The currency change has come without the level of national consultation that a decision of this magnitude requires, Wael Sawah argues.
The clashes come at a sensitive moment in relations between Damascus and the SDF
The Syrian Minister stressed that “the al-Jazira region is a national priority,” warning that “any delay in integrating the SDF into state institutions will negatively affect reconstruction efforts.”
UNHCR’s representative in Syria, Gonzalo Vargas Llosa, said that approximately 1.3 million Syrian refugees have already returned since December 2024
The decisions shaping Syria’s future are being written from within.
Political researcher Abdullah al-Kheir argued that the United States has adopted a firm position against political decentralisation or federalism in Syria, asserting that Barak’s comments reflect a strategic orientation rather than a personal view.
Transitional justice is frequently cited as the way forward, but without political will, it remains a slogan—not a solution.
Syria’s first post-Assad year closes with an impressive portfolio of diplomatic achievements, many argue, secured at the cost of domestic stagnation.
Since October 2024, Syrians under temporary protection have been exempt from Turkey’s typically stringent foreign work-permit regime. But a new decree changes that dynamic entirely.
For Trump, insiders suggest, the ultimate signal of engagement lies not in hosting but in visiting.
The Syrian General Authority of Civil Aviation has formally announced the signing of final contracts for the investment, development, construction and operation of Damascus International Airport
Ahmed al-Sharaa and the Prospect of Founding a New Chapter in History
What remains of Israel’s leverage is largely rhetorical, Iyad al-Jaafari argues in Syria TV.
A Russian delegation visited Damascus, accompanied by a Turkish counterpart, to conduct high-level security talk, according to al-Hal.
Syria TV reports that discussions will focus on sensitive matters, including the mechanism for integrating SDF forces into the national army.
True reconstruction requires a stable and secure domestic environment, a legislative framework attractive to foreign investors, modern banking regulations, robust anti-corruption measures, and equitable implementation of national projects, Faisal Alloush argues in Ultra Syria.
The upcoming round will take place in the Syrian capital and aims to begin implementation of the March 10 Accord, al-Hal reports.
During his visit to Riyadh, Sharaa reportedly met with executives from Hilton, Accor, and Bombardier to explore opportunities in tourism and infrastructure.
At its core, the Hassakeh temple dispute extends beyond theology. It has become a litmus test for Yazidi unity, Daraj writes.
Ibrahim Kaban, director of the Geostrategic Studies Network, told 963+ that Saudi and Gulf support is “not rooted in ideological alignment but in shared strategic interests.”
