AGP Executive Report

Damascus Church Attack: Syria’s Interior Ministry confirmed Islamic State carried out last year’s Mar Elias Church bombing in Damascus, killing at least 22 Christians and wounding dozens, saying it aimed to undermine social cohesion and incite anger against the new authorities. Cultural Heritage Under Strain: In Aleppo, the Saint Simeon Monastery site is being assessed by a French archaeological team after years of war damage, cracks, and looting—work now focuses on “quick interventions” to preserve what remains. Community Life & Faith: In Idlib, protests against opening commercial crossings with regime areas turned violent as HTS security dispersed demonstrators, with reports of a civilian death. Education & Youth Support: A new Dr. Wael Sakr Scholarship was launched to back aspiring medical students, adding momentum to Syria’s wider push for education access amid disruption. Diaspora & Consulates: Syria-linked regional diplomacy continues to ripple, with reports of Syria sending a delegation to Erbil ahead of opening a consulate in the Kurdistan Region.

Syria’s Media Law Talks: Syria’s Ministry of Information has begun preliminary consultations on a draft media law, aiming to set rules for TV, news agencies, and digital platforms while defining boundaries for free expression, cybercrime, and social media conduct. UN Transition Milestone: UN officials say Syria’s post-Assad transition has reached key institutional steps, including a People’s Assembly and a Supreme Constitutional Court, but warn that insecurity and humanitarian funding gaps could derail progress. Consulate in Erbil: Syria dispatched a delegation to Erbil to prepare the opening of its first consulate in the Kurdistan Region, promising easier consular services for Syrians there. Arts & Heritage: France returned 23 archaeological treasures to Syria after 15 years, a cultural win amid ongoing recovery efforts. Education: Syria’s Ministry of Education completed preparations for the Tawjihi 2009 exams, with thousands of students set to sit for Arabic and English subjects. Scholarship Spotlight: A new Dr. Wael Sakr Scholarship launched to support aspiring medical students, backing early costs for future doctors. Community & Identity: A bilingual children’s book, “Loucine and the Doll That Walked to Aleppo,” introduces Armenian heritage and resilience through a story of safety and remembrance.

Damascus Governance: The Syrian regime has issued a circular restricting Palestinian factions’ activities in Damascus, tightening movement, meetings, and even social projects while limiting weapons and overnight stays. Cultural Heritage: Rochefort’s restored Pierre Loti museum home reopens after a 2025 restoration, showcasing Ottoman, Arab, and Asian-inspired interiors alongside Gothic and Renaissance rooms. Community & Refugees: A women-led community garden in Wakefield is helping refugees and local residents grow food and confidence, tackling barriers tied to culture and religion. Religious Life in Iraq: Iraq’s prime minister is urging Christians to return after years of exodus, but activists say promises on security, education, and property won’t fix the deeper issues of rule of law and marginalisation. International Policy Impact: A U.S. judge temporarily blocked Trump-era moves to strip work permits from asylum seekers and TPS holders, delaying major knock-on effects for Syrians and others. Urban Identity: Damascus’s Jewish Quarter is back in focus, with historians stressing it was never a sealed-off enclave but part of the city’s shared economic and social life.

Damascus Jewish Quarter: The Jewish Quarter in Damascus’ Old City is back in the spotlight, with historians describing how the neighborhood’s narrow lanes and courtyards kept Damascene architectural life alive even after most longtime residents left, and how community institutions once connected across the wider city. Syrian Cultural Heritage: France returned 23 archaeological treasures to Syria after 15 years, a reminder of how heritage diplomacy can matter for identity and everyday memory. Syria’s War Impact on Daily Life: A report says war remnants still contaminate most of Syria, while another story highlights how cancer patients are pushed into a dangerous black market for medicines. Education Under Strain: Lebanon’s education minister says the war-hit sector needs 10–15 years to recover, with Syrian refugee pressures and years of instability still weighing on classrooms. Regional Politics Affecting Culture & Mobility: A limited Syrian intervention debate resurfaces as Lebanon seeks stability amid Hezbollah-Israel tensions, while broader displacement pressures keep reshaping community life across the Levant.

Tourism Recovery: Syria’s Ministry of Tourism says visitor arrivals surged 111% in the first half of 2026, reaching 3.52 million, with foreign arrivals up 448%—a boost tied to renewed interest in heritage sites and authentic travel, plus a 75% rise in visits by Syrians abroad. Cultural & Religious Commemoration: Mourning ceremonies marked the martyrdom of Lady Ruqayyah across Syria and Iraq, with Damascus crowds, Quran recitations, elegies, and children’s performances keeping Karbala’s memory alive. Humanitarian Aid & Diplomacy: Türkiye launched a campaign to deliver 30,000 food parcels into northern Syria’s Operation Euphrates Shield area, each including a letter from President Erdoğan pledging continued solidarity. Armenian Identity in Rojava: On the anniversary of the July 19 Revolution, an interview highlights how Armenian Women Forces and a dedicated battalion structure aim to preserve language, traditions, and identity amid past atrocities. Regional Security Spillover: Reports say IDF nearly struck Israeli right-wing activists near the Syrian border after mistaking them for a terrorist cell—an incident tied to attempts to reach Syrian territory. Extremism Probe (India): India’s ED searched eight Bengaluru locations in an ISIS recruitment-linked money laundering case, alleging workshops and study circles helped fund and send recruits to Syria.

Cultural exchange in Damascus: Two Elgin Symphony musicians brought their YES Academy program back to Syria after a long pause, hosting about 100 youth (ages 13–20) in a 12-day music academy that ends with a Damascus concert, aiming to rebuild cultural institutions and swap Syrian and American repertoire. Heritage under pressure: AFP reports on the Saint Simeon Stylites monastery in northern Syria, where war damage, looting, and illegal excavations have left cracked arches and collapsed walls—French archaeologists are planning “quick interventions” to stabilize what they can. Public health crisis for patients: An investigation says cancer patients in Syria are being pushed from overstretched public hospitals into charity queues and an unregulated black market for medicines, including sales via pharmacies and social media, with Al-Biruni Hospital often unable to provide key drugs. Safety and accountability fears: Reports from Aleppo, Daraa, and Raqqa describe escalating violence and alleged security abuses, including a deadly family clash, arrests after complaints against security personnel, and an assault on a doctor—signs of weak protection for civilians and medical workers. War remnants still a daily threat: Syria’s emergency ministry says around 80% of the country remains contaminated by mines and unexploded ordnance, with clearance operations and public awareness sessions continuing across governorates like Hama, Aleppo, and Idlib. Community life returns: The adhan has resumed at Al-Quds Mosque in Yarmouk camp after restoration work by Turkish humanitarian groups, reopening a historic Palestinian cultural and spiritual hub.

Cultural Heritage & Diplomacy: France returned 23 Syrian archaeological treasures after 15 years, handing Roman, Byzantine, Islamic and Umayyad-era pieces to Damascus as Macron visited the country. Language & Identity: A debate piece argues it’s “O.K. to let a language die,” while another challenges how the word “Palestine” is used in modern politics, tracing it to older Greek/Latin roots. Arts & Storytelling: The long-running musical Come From Away is praised for its message about kindness to strangers, with a real-life passenger story behind the character. Regional Culture & Community: A Turkish Heritage Month push in U.S. cities highlights diaspora recognition and cultural festivals as community glue. Rojava & Kurdish Politics: Europe-based Kurdish groups marked the 14th anniversary of the July 19 Rojava Revolution, stressing women’s freedom and equal participation. Syrian Governance: A Kurdish leader discusses the new Syrian People’s Assembly’s first session and the limits of Damascus-SDF agreements. Accountability & Memory: A European court case in Austria marks progress in prosecuting alleged Assad-era crimes, showing how survivors are using European venues when international justice stalls.

Rojava Revolution at 14: Kurdish-led bodies marked July 19 with renewed calls for a democratic, plural, women-led model of governance in North and East Syria, stressing coexistence and equal citizenship. People’s Assembly spotlight: A Syrian Kurdish leader said the new People’s Assembly’s first session lacked the hoped-for Kurdish representation (12 seats) and will be judged by whether it turns participation and justice into real legislation. Security anxiety in the region: Analysts warn ISIS could exploit the “gaps” as the U.S. prepares to complete its Iraq withdrawal by Sept. 30, with Iraq’s militia politics and recruitment risks seen as a dangerous mix. Cultural heritage revival: After decades of silence, a 1,600-year-old Syriac church reopened in Mardin following major restoration, drawing worshippers from across Türkiye and Europe. Syrian diaspora success story: An Aleppo-born student who fled war graduated with a first-class degree in the UK and plans to return to Syria to celebrate with family. Lebanon humanitarian push: Former PM François Fillon helped distribute 6,000 meals in Lebanon, linking aid to the protection of Eastern Christians amid ongoing clashes.

Cultural Revival: The 1,600-year-old Mor Kuryakos Church in Mardin has reopened for worship after a major restoration, drawing Syriac Christians from across Türkiye and Europe for a first mass and Syriac hymn performances. Syrian Heritage Returns: France has repatriated 23 antiquities to Syria, unveiled at Damascus’ National Museum during Macron’s visit, including Roman, Byzantine and Islamic-era pieces tied to Damascus’ Umayyad Mosque. Arts & Industry: President Ahmed al-Sharaa inaugurated NAS TEX 2026, framing Syria’s textile revival as a cultural and economic engine for jobs and reconstruction. Community & Identity: In Rojava, KCK marked the 14th anniversary of the Rojava Revolution, emphasizing democratic, autonomous governance and women’s liberation amid ongoing conflict. Lifestyle & Education: A Syrian refugee from Aleppo, Ahmad Hamdan, graduated with a first-class degree from the University of Bradford and plans to return to Syria to celebrate with family. Digital Survival: Lebanon’s small businesses are using TikTok to keep selling through the economic collapse, turning everyday creativity into income.

Textile Revival: Syria’s new leadership inaugurated the Syria International Textile Exhibition (NAS TEX 2026) in Damascus, framing textiles as part of Syria’s cultural identity and a route to jobs, reconstruction, and poverty relief. Parliament & Nation-Building: Syria’s first People’s Assembly since the Assad era convened, with MPs setting priorities around adopting procedure rules, drafting a permanent constitution, and tackling urgent legislation. Cultural Heritage Returns: France repatriated Syrian archaeological treasures to Damascus after 15 years, a symbolic step toward recovering heritage held abroad. Regional Connectivity: Iraq and Syria signed an MoU to rehabilitate a cross-border oil pipeline linking Haditha to Baniyas, with Chevron named as a key partner. Community & Belonging: A newcomer welcome fair highlighted how cultural exchange and local support networks help arrivals build relationships and understand the history of their new home. Memory & Identity: A feature on ancient Mesopotamian cylinder seals explores how art, power, and belief shaped everyday life across Syria and Iraq. Human Stories: Yazidi women launched an international campaign marking the 12th anniversary of the Shengal Genocide, calling for justice and freedom for genocide captives.

People’s Assembly: Syria’s first People’s Assembly since the fall of the Assad regime has convened, with MPs stressing independence, fast rules-of-procedure, and a push to review presidential decrees while drafting a permanent constitution and urgent laws. Regional routes: A U.S. envoy says Syria, Jordan, Türkiye, Lebanon and Egypt are working on alternative land-and-logistics corridors to reduce the Strait of Hormuz’s importance within two years. TPS shockwaves: In the U.S., DHS is urging Syrians and other TPS holders to accept a $2,600 departure payment and a free flight home before protections end, warning court-ordered extensions aren’t permanent. Border tensions: IDF says Israeli civilians attempting to cross into Syria have increased, with activists detained after illegal entry attempts near the Golan. Culture & identity: A BBC film project is set to follow a migrant delivery driver story, while a separate feature highlights Syrians rebuilding community life abroad, from Damascus-born families on Scotland’s Isle of Bute to diaspora creativity. Humanitarian spotlight: “Gift of the Givers” outlines its disaster response and long-term support for food, water, education and healthcare in crisis-hit communities.

Syrian community rebuilding through sport: In Raqqa, the Hope League (NOVACT) brings Kurdish, Muslim, Christian and other children together for weekly soccer so families can rebuild trust after ISIS-era division. Women’s online safety in post-Assad Syria: A new report warns that Facebook and Telegram have become polarized and unsafe, with coordinated hate campaigns targeting Syrian women and silencing public voices. Syrian education and institutions: Syria is reported to be centralizing military education with a new defense university, merging training with engineering, technology and strategic studies. Rojava lessons debated: An interview revisits why the Rojava revolution was defeated, pointing to betrayals and the limits of revolutionary promises. Culture & heritage preservation: A story highlights efforts to preserve Armenian history for a new generation, including a “doll that walked to Aleppo” theme. Cross-border tensions at Syria’s borders: The IDF detained Israelis attempting to cross into Syria from the Golan Heights, citing a rise in illegal border attempts. TPS uncertainty affecting Syrians abroad: US guidance and deadlines around Temporary Protected Status are shifting again, with Syria among affected countries. Humanitarian climate warning: El Niño is expected to intensify extreme heat, droughts and floods, threatening food security and safety across multiple regions.

Syrian Parliament: Syria’s transitional parliament finally convened on 12 July, after delays and criticism over an indirect, opaque process that left representation skewed and women underrepresented. Humanitarian & Health: MSF reports explosive ordnance still maims civilians in Deir Ez-Zor; in one year, 215 people were treated for landmines and unexploded devices, with nearly half children. Culture & Community: A football program in Raqqa’s former conflict zone, the Hope League, brings Kurdish, Arab and Christian kids together weekly to rebuild trust through sport and parent-led cooperation. Economy & Daily Life: Syrian Kurdish activists in Erbil launched a boycott of Syrian bread over soaring prices, saying flour and wages haven’t matched the dollar-driven jump. Regional Security: Iran-U.S. tensions keep escalating, with strikes reported across the region and Kuwait saying an attack damaged a key desalination plant. Policy Watch: The Trump administration has started the process to remove Syria from the U.S. State Sponsors of Terrorism list, citing assurances from Syria’s leadership.

Syria’s Transition & Justice: Syria’s new authorities are moving toward accountability after the Assad-era fall, including steps tied to war-crimes cases like the 2013 Tadamon massacre—while critics warn that proving responsibility is messy and can sweep up the wrong people. Women & Work in Syria: With wages failing to cover living costs, more Syrian women are shifting from traditional jobs to home-based businesses—candles, perfumes, sweets, embroidery, and gift-wrapping—turning degrees into side projects for survival. Education Under Strain: Teachers in Hassakeh resumed protests over delayed salaries and unclear status after the merger between the Autonomous Administration and the Syrian government, with thousands still waiting. Security & Regional Tensions: Syria’s Interior Ministry says it intercepted a Hezbollah-bound arms shipment near the Iraq border, including long-range missiles, guided anti-tank weapons, and drones. Culture & Community: Liverpool’s Arab Arts Festival returns for a 10-day run with a “Home” theme, spotlighting Arab artists and diaspora creativity. International Diplomacy: The Trump administration has started the process to remove Syria from the U.S. State Sponsors of Terrorism list, citing assurances from President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Syria-US Relations: The Trump administration has formally started the process to remove Syria from the U.S. State Sponsors of Terrorism list, after assurances from President Ahmed al-Sharaa that Syria will not support international terrorism. Damascus Security Reality: A report on Syrians in the capital says confidence is high, but trust in official information is low, with recent bombings and a quiet parliament opening underscoring unresolved security tensions. Syria’s New Institutions: Syria’s Ministry of Defense announced a National University for Defense Sciences to merge military training with engineering, applied sciences, management, and strategic studies, alongside a separate university for security sciences. Politics & Representation: A podcast discussion from inside Syria highlights hopes and doubts around the new parliament, including concerns about how members were selected and what it means for Kurdish and other minority communities. PYD & Demography: ARK News claims the PYD has legalized the “Arab Belt” by buying land from Arab settlers, raising fresh alarms about demographic change in Syrian Kurdistan. Culture & Community: The Asia+ Festival 2026 (theme: “Traditions Recast”) will run Sept–Nov with 30+ countries and 100+ performances, blending traditional and contemporary arts. Women’s Rights in the Region: The OIC’s 9th women’s conference in Islamabad produced the “Islamabad Declaration,” calling out restrictions on Afghan girls’ education and women’s employment.

Syria’s Post-Assad Transition: The U.S. has started the process to remove Syria from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list, citing assurances from President Ahmed al-Sharaa and framing it as a major step toward rebuilding ties. Security in Damascus: Despite bombings near key areas, many residents say they feel safe, but distrust official information and point to real, unresolved security gaps. Politics & Representation: A new Syrian parliament has convened, bringing hope and doubt—some members were chosen by al-Sharaa directly or indirectly, raising questions about how democratic the process really is. Culture & Community: A photo essay highlights how a running club is helping Syrians “find their stride,” while a separate report notes how Syria’s heritage and everyday life are being reshaped after years of conflict. Regional Context: Analysis argues Israel’s Syria approach reflects lessons from Oct. 7, including pre-emptive strikes and buffer zones—raising fresh questions about what “withdrawal” would mean for the IDF.