Overview
- Acting president Ahmed al-Scharaa led anniversary events in Damascus and pledged a four-year transition centered on constitutional reform and coexistence.
- Independent reporting documents major sectarian atrocities this year—including a Reuters-cited finding of roughly 1,479 Alawite victims in March—while the first trials of suspects have begun.
- Observers report fragmented armed groups and limited command over HTS affiliates, with minorities remaining at risk after lethal incidents in Suwaida and other areas.
- Western and UN sanctions have been eased but reconstruction is stalled, the banking system constrains aid, over 60% of the population needs assistance, about seven million are internally displaced, and more than one million returnees face housing and job shortages.
- Debate in Germany over refugee returns has intensified, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz saying there are no grounds for asylum as many Syrians—especially from minorities—argue the country remains unsafe.