From Sanctions to Handshakes: Syria Begins a New Chapter
SYRIA TV
May 15, 2025
The Sharaa-Trump encounter was far more than a ceremonial handshake, Syria TV writes.
The Sharaa-Trump encounter was far more than a ceremonial handshake, Syria TV writes.
In a nationally televised address, Sharaa described the recent lifting of international sanctions as a “historic turning point.
While the transitional government led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa pledges reform and unity, many senior military officials have direct links to past violations.
Central Bank Governor Abdelkader Housriyeh described the sanctions relief as critical for restoring monetary stability. “This is not just an economic shift—it is a psychological one,” he said.
Abu Hatam Shaqra remains on the U.S. terrorism watchlist for alleged involvement in kidnapping, torture, and extrajudicial killings
Shibani confirmed that Syria is actively implementing an agreement with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces to reintegrate northeastern regions under central government authority.
Hakan Fidan reaffirmed Turkey’s strong support for Syria’s territorial integrity
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.
When Syria signed its biggest investment deal in years, it wasn’t just about containers and cranes—it was a message to Turkey, Europe, and the world.
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.
It remains unclear whether Washington has formally responded to the Syrian communication.
The Kurdish leader underscored the importance of recognising the Kurds as a fundamental component of the country, along with the rights to mother-tongue education, political participation, and the protection of women’s rights
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.
Price declines offer temporary relief, yet poverty and wage disparities deepen amid fragmented governance
The meeting reflected a shared willingness by both Damascus and Erbil to recalibrate their bilateral relations and open direct lines of communication, 963 writes.
Japan Pledged an Additional €3 Million to Syria Recovery Trust Fund, Syria TV writes.
In the absence of a clearly defined Syria policy, two competing currents have emerged within the US administration, united only in their satisfaction over the fall of the Assad regime, Marwan Qabalan writes in al-Araby al-Jadeed.
Shops in many Syrian cities are now largely deserted, as both traders and consumers adopt a wait-and-see approach, al-Hal writes.
A forensic analysis conducted by SMEX reveals that the app suffers from serious technical and legal shortcomings.
