Assad

The Syrian Foreign Minister's visit to Riyadh represents a strategic effort by Syria's transitional government, under Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties with the Kingdom as shuttle diplomacy takes hold.

Syria's new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, met with Christian clerics in Damascus to reassure the country's dwindling Christian community, amid growing concerns over religious tolerance and the influence of radical militias following his rise to power.

The fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024 marked the end of Syria's Captagon trade, a major source of regime revenue, creating both challenges for the country's economic recovery and opportunities for regional stability.

Turkish President Erdogan has warned the Syrian Peshmerga of military action unless they disarm, citing their links to the PKK, while emphasising Türkiye's commitment to securing its borders and expanding its influence in Syria amidst growing regional tensions.

Protests erupted across Syria after a Christmas tree was burned in Suqaylabiyah, raising doubts about the ability of the Islamist-led Hayat Tahrir al-Sham to protect minorities as they transition from a Islamist group to the halls of power in post-Assad Syria.