AGP Executive Report

Damascus Bombings: Syria says two blasts near the Ministry of Tourism and the Four Seasons Hotel during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit killed one person and wounded 36, with most injuries described as minor; the Interior Ministry says one device was in a car and the other in a rubbish container, and Macron’s office says he left the area before the explosions and was unharmed. Diplomatic Push: Macron and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said the visit would continue despite the attacks, with al-Sharaa praising Macron’s “courage,” and both sides announcing steps to restore diplomatic ties, including reappointing ambassadors. Regional Security: Turkey’s Ankara hosts high-level talks as Syria’s al-Sharaa travels there to meet Donald Trump on the sidelines of NATO, while NATO leaders also face wider tensions tied to Iran and U.S.-allied disputes. Energy & Reconstruction: TotalEnergies’ CEO told reporters that offshore exploration talks with Syrian officials are moving ahead, but insecurity still blocks a return to onshore oil work. Accountability & Rights: A human-rights group urged NATO leaders to press Syria to reform security institutions, prevent impunity, and protect minorities amid ongoing violations.

Damascus Security Shock: Two bombs hit central Damascus near the Four Seasons Hotel and the Ministry of Tourism during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit, injuring at least 18 people, including four police officers. Syrian authorities say the devices were found and detonated while experts tried to disarm them, and that the blasts were outside Macron’s security perimeter; Macron later said his visit would continue and met interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Diplomatic Reset: Hours after the blasts, Syria and France announced they will reappoint ambassadors after more than a decade, as Macron framed France as a key partner in Syria’s reconstruction. Regional Fallout: Gulf states and the UAE condemned the attacks, while Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun said the timing suggests an effort to destabilize Syria and derail recovery. Broader Middle East Tensions: Separately, US CENTCOM said it launched strikes tied to Iranian attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran and Gulf states trade blame over transit control.

Damascus Security Shock: Two blasts near the Four Seasons Hotel during French President Emmanuel Macron’s landmark visit wounded 18 people, including four police officers, as Syrian authorities said devices were placed in a parked car and a garbage container; Macron’s office said he was safe and the visit continued. Diplomatic Reset Under Strain: Macron arrived as the first serving EU leader to visit post-Assad Syria, pledging support for a “sovereign, united” Syria and pushing reconstruction talks, but the attacks—coming days after a deadly Damascus cafe bombing—highlight how fragile security remains. Regional Condemnations: Qatar and Jordan condemned the explosions near Damascus’ Ministry of Tourism, calling them terrorism and wishing a speedy recovery for the injured. NATO Spotlight in Ankara: As Macron’s visit unfolded, U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Ankara for the NATO summit, with meetings expected to include Ukraine’s Zelensky and Syria’s Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Austrian Court Verdict on Assad-Era Torture: Vienna’s Regional Criminal Court convicted two former Syrian intelligence officials over state-sanctioned torture and sexual coercion tied to the early civil war crackdown; the ruling is not final and both sides are moving to appeal. Diplomacy and Reconstruction: French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Damascus for his first official visit since Assad’s fall, saying France backs a sovereign, united Syria and signaling demands on inclusion, justice, and cooperation as talks with President Ahmed al-Sharaa are set to include business and reconstruction plans. NATO Pressure Point: As Trump heads to the Ankara NATO summit, the White House says he’ll press allies on defense spending and meet separately with Ukraine’s Zelenskyy and Syria’s al-Sharaa. Lebanon Border Violence: Despite a Lebanon ceasefire, an Israeli drone strike in southern Lebanon killed four, including three women, as Israel said it targeted a threat near its security zone. Aid Payments in Aleppo: UNDP expanded its Stellar blockchain payments programme, citing lower distribution costs in an Aleppo cash-for-work pilot and a push for wider, more transparent aid delivery.

Damascus–Ankara Diplomacy: The White House says President Trump will meet Ukraine’s Zelensky and Syria’s Ahmed al-Sharaa on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, with a follow-up call planned with Russia’s Putin. People’s Assembly Politics: Syrian women activists in Aleppo are pushing back on “representation is not just numbers,” as Damascus marks the completion of the first People’s Assembly since Assad’s fall, while debates continue over meaningful power and gender participation. Security in Syria: Syria’s new authorities face ongoing pressure after a Damascus café bombing earlier this week, with reports of multiple deaths and injuries near key government areas. France Eyes Defense Role: Reuters reports France is now open to selling the Franco-Italian SAMP/T air-defense system to Turkey, a shift likely to ripple across Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean. Port of Tartous Update: DP World says the first mobile harbour crane has arrived at Tartous under an $800m modernization plan, boosting cargo capacity and trade links. Aleppo Human Stories: A Media Line report highlights Aleppo women’s protests and the push for real political inclusion as Syria’s transition unfolds.

Damascus Politics: Syria postponed the first session of its new transitional parliament, with officials citing no clear reason after a deadly bombing near the Justice Ministry; lawmakers say they were told to stay in hotels as the session is pushed to a later date. Security Crackdown: Interior Ministry says it arrested former Assad-era military security chief Ali Saleh Diab over alleged major human rights abuses tied to Qamishli and transfers to Sednaya and Palestine Branch facilities. Assassination Cell: Authorities in Hama say they dismantled an assassination network, arresting seven suspects linked to killings in al-Ghab. Energy & Daily Life: Syria’s Energy Ministry began distributing 7.32 million liters of gasoline across governorates, aiming to ease shortages and refill station inventories. Diplomacy & Western Ties: French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to visit Damascus with a business delegation to expand political and economic cooperation, after the latest Damascus cafe bombing. Regional Flashpoint: Israel detained dozens of settlers trying to cross into Syrian territory from Mount Hermon, calling it a serious crime and handing detainees to police. International Stage: Trump is set to meet Syria’s al-Sharaa during the NATO summit in Turkey, as Washington presses allies on defense and maritime security.

Macron-Syria Talks: French President Emmanuel Macron is set to visit Syria to meet President Ahmed al-Sharaa and hold a roundtable with Syrian delegations and French investors, as Damascus seeks to deepen bilateral ties. Parliament Push in Aleppo: Syrian women activists say they want the new People’s Assembly to prioritize constitutional reform and reduce bureaucracy, ahead of the parliament’s first session. Accountability in Sweida: Syria’s justice authorities have begun public trials tied to last year’s Sueida massacre, moving from investigation to courtroom accountability. Security Pressure: ISIS carried out attacks including the July 2 Damascus café bombing, while displaced Kurds in Hasakah protested demanding safe returns to Sere Kaniye. Regional Diplomacy: Saudi Arabia’s interior minister reaffirmed support for Syria after the Damascus bombing, pledging closer security coordination.

Damascus Security: A bomb ripped through a crowded café near the Palace of Justice in central Damascus, killing at least 10 and wounding dozens; Syria says investigators are reviewing footage and pursuing those behind the attack, while Afghanistan and several Gulf states condemned it. Accountability in Sweida: Syria has begun public trials tied to last year’s deadly Sweida violence, with hearings launched at the Military Criminal Court in Damascus and prosecutors promising accountability “regardless of position.” Southern Syria Pressure: The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says Israeli forces carried out 384 operations in southern Syria in the first half of 2026, warning the repeated incursions are worsening instability and hitting civilians and livelihoods. Regional Diplomacy: Turkey’s Erdogan accused Israel of trying to “dynamite” the US-Iran deal mediated by Pakistan, urging regional backing for peace. Energy & Reconstruction: Syria’s state petroleum company started a gas field development project with Saudi firm ADES in Homs, aiming to boost output and ease power shortages. Aleppo Local Life: Women protested in Aleppo over what they call weak representation in the newly appointed People’s Assembly.

Damascus Bombing: A cafe blast near the Palace of Justice in central Damascus killed at least 6 and injured 22, with Syria’s interior ministry saying an improvised explosive device was used and no group claimed responsibility yet; the health minister visited victims and pledged full medical care. Regional Condemnations: Bahrain, Cyprus, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Jordan, and others condemned the attack and reiterated support for Syria’s unity and rejection of terrorism. Justice in Sweida: Syrian authorities have begun public trials over last year’s Druze-majority Sweida violence, after more than 2,000 deaths were reported, with courts in Damascus examining cases from July 1. Energy Reconstruction: Syria’s state oil company SPC has started developing gas fields in Homs with Saudi firm ADES, aiming to raise output by 50% by mid-2027 to ease power shortages. Security Watch: Reports say ISIS is regrouping and exploiting instability, with renewed threats in Deir Ezzor, Raqqa, Aleppo, and Hasaka. US Policy Shock: The US Supreme Court ruling ending Temporary Protected Status for Syrians and Haitians is driving fear of deportation among communities in the US, including in Massachusetts.

Damascus Security: A blast at a busy café near the Palace of Justice in central Damascus killed at least 10 people and wounded 21, as Syrian authorities said they are still probing the attack and reviewing footage. Investigations & Arrests: Syria also announced it has arrested former military intelligence chief Ali Saleh Dhiab in Qamishli, accusing him of systematic abuses and transfers of detainees to Sednaya and the “Palestine Branch.” Suweida Trials: Damascus has begun public trials tied to last summer’s Druze-majority Suweida violence, after more than 2,000 deaths were reported. Regional Diplomacy: Turkey’s foreign minister spoke by phone with Syria’s counterpart Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani on regional developments, while Syria signaled it is open to dialogue with Hezbollah if “interests require it,” amid Lebanon tensions. UN Humanitarian Warning: UN chief António Guterres warned UNRWA is nearing a “breaking point,” urging immediate funding to prevent collapse.

Damascus Cafe Bombing: A blast near the Palace of Justice on Al-Nasr Street killed nine and injured about 20, with Syria’s Interior Ministry saying it was an improvised explosive device packed with metal shrapnel; no group claimed responsibility and an investigation is underway. International Condemnations: The EU and Spain condemned the attack as “terrorist,” while Jordan, the Arab League leadership, and Gulf states including the GCC backed Syria and rejected violence. Druze Heartland Fighting: Renewed clashes in Suwayda’s Tal Hadid area left at least two dead and around 16 wounded as Syrian interim forces and Druze-led National Guard blamed each other, days after Jolani finalized names for a new post-Assad parliament. Syria-Lebanon Diplomacy: Syria’s Asaad al-Shibani met Lebanon’s leaders, with Lebanon’s PM announcing a joint high committee to boost cooperation on security and the economy, while Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said Lebanon must engage Syria. Regional Security Talks: CENTCOM’s Admiral Brad Cooper held talks with senior officials from 12 countries in Bahrain, focusing on strengthening defense cooperation and keeping trade flowing through the Strait of Hormuz. Port of Tartous Upgrade: DP World began a major modernization push at Tartous with the arrival of the first of three mobile harbour cranes, aiming to raise cargo capacity by about 40% under an $800m investment plan.

Damascus Security: An improvised explosive device detonated inside a crowded cafe near the Palace of Justice in central Damascus, killing at least nine people and injuring around 20, with authorities saying the blast used a rudimentary 1-kilogram device with metal shrapnel; Damascus Governor Maher Idlibi said security forces are reviewing surveillance footage and vowed the perpetrators will be punished, while no group has claimed responsibility. Diplomatic Pressure: U.S. lawmakers urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to remove Syria from the State Sponsor of Terrorism list, arguing the Assad-era legal basis no longer applies and that delisting would help Syria’s economic recovery and stability. Regional Context: Qatar condemned the Damascus cafe bombing, expressing condolences and calling attacks on civilians unacceptable, as the UN also voiced deep concern and demanded those responsible be identified.

Syria-Lebanon Diplomacy: Syria’s foreign minister Asaad al-Shaibani told Beirut leaders Damascus is open to meeting Hezbollah “if interests require it,” while saying the “Hezbollah file” was not raised in talks with parliament speaker Nabih Berri, as Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun said al-Sharaa pledged a “new chapter” of ties built on non-interference and border cooperation. Post-Assad Politics: Syria moved to form its first post-Assad parliament, with a new People’s Assembly taking shape through a mix of elected seats and presidential appointments, setting up the next phase of “managed democracy.” Security & Regional Pressure: Israel reiterated it will keep troops in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza “until further notice,” while the wider region continues to juggle US-led security talks around the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s pushback on command structures. Humanitarian/Travel Links: Jazeera Airways expanded Damascus service to four daily flights, signaling steady demand for travel between Kuwait and Syria.

Syria’s Post-Assad Parliament: Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has finalized the first post-Assad parliament, appointing 70 lawmakers; the body is set to hold its first session next week, with the wider assembly built through a mix of appointed seats and earlier electoral steps. Regional Diplomacy: Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim spoke by phone with Syria’s President al-Sharaa, discussing bilateral ties and regional de-escalation amid US-Iran talks. Foreign Militants File: A new analysis warns Syria’s transition is still tense over the legal status of foreign fighters, arguing that unclear pathways for integration or return could fuel renewed extremist recruitment. Security Cooperation: US CENTCOM hosted a regional security dialogue in Bahrain with senior military leaders from 12 countries, including Syria, focusing on defense coordination and keeping trade flowing through the Strait of Hormuz. Telecom Deal: Kuwait’s Zain won a 25-year mobile network licence in Syria in a $747m bid, with service continuity planned during a transition and 5G expansion targeted after approvals. Israel’s “Indefinite” Presence: Israel’s defense minister said troops will remain in “security zones” across Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza without a withdrawal timetable. Humanitarian Pressure: UN chief Antonio Guterres urged donors to cover a $100m UNRWA funding gap, warning millions of Palestinian refugees face a “breaking point,” with restrictions affecting UNRWA operations across the region.

Post-Assad Politics: Syria’s first post-Assad Parliament is taking shape as interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa names 70 lawmakers, with the 210-member People’s Assembly set to hold its inaugural session Monday in Damascus. Regional Security: Israel’s defense minister says Israeli forces will stay “indefinitely” in security zones across Lebanon, Syria and Gaza, while Netanyahu reiterates “total victory” against Iran and its proxies. U.S.-Iran Diplomacy: Indirect U.S.-Iran technical talks are reported underway in Doha, focusing on frozen funds and the Strait of Hormuz. Humanitarian Pressure: UN chief António Guterres warns UNRWA is nearing a breaking point amid a $100 million funding gap, as political pressure and restrictions continue to hamper operations across Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria. Local Crisis in Daraa: Reports say about 700 people were poisoned over ten days in Al-Shajara after polluted drinking water spread hepatitis A. Turkey-Syria Ties: Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi met Syrian officials in Damascus to discuss security cooperation and the repatriation of Syrians.

Syria Recovery & Tourism: Syria’s Ministry of Tourism kicked off the 2026 summer season with President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Tartus, highlighting port upgrades like Al-Tahouna to Arwad and readiness by tourist police, civil defense, and the Red Crescent. Aleppo Countryside Security: Transitional government forces reportedly launched a large assault on Tel Aran and Tel Hasel in Aleppo, using 200+ vehicles, raiding homes, and detaining Kurdish residents amid documented abuses. Regional Diplomacy: Turkey’s MIT chief İbrahim Kalın met Iraqi officials in Baghdad to discuss security and intelligence cooperation, following transfers of ISIS members from Syria to Iraq. UNRWA Funding Crunch: UN chief António Guterres warned UNRWA is nearing a breaking point, urging countries to close a $100 million gap to keep services running for millions of Palestine refugees across Gaza, the West Bank, Syria, and beyond. Humanitarian Shock in the US: The U.S. Supreme Court allowed Trump to end TPS for Haitians and Syrians, triggering fear and mobilization among immigrant communities, including in places like Rockland County and Columbus.