AGP Executive Report

Syrian-Kurdish Talks in Damascus: President Ahmed al-Sharaa met Nechirvan Barzani in the capital to discuss economic cooperation and follow up on Damascus’ integration deal with Kurdish forces, including the January agreement tied to the SDF/YPG. Kurdistan’s Role and Refugees: Barzani’s visit is the first by a KRG leader since the Assad era ended, with officials saying the agenda also covers security, stability, and the Kurdistan region’s continued hosting of hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees. Southern Syria Incursions: Israeli forces carried out a fresh ground incursion into Quneitra, setting up a temporary checkpoint and searching civilians and vehicles, after similar actions in nearby areas. Jordan Aid to Syria: Jordan dispatched a new humanitarian convoy of 16 trucks carrying 32 mobile homes to support vulnerable groups across Syria, continuing a broader aid push. Qatar Investment in Syria: Baladna plans a $3.3 billion agricultural project in Syria spanning cotton, wheat, textiles, and farming upgrades. Regional Pressure Over Iran War: Trump said talks to wind down the Iran conflict will start Monday, while analysts and officials warn the wider region remains on edge.

Southern Syria Under Pressure: Israeli forces entered Jabat al-Khashab in Quneitra, deploying in the public square, as Damascus warned of escalating incursions. Quneitra & Daraa Escalation: SOHR says 64 Israeli violations were recorded across July, with repeated raids, searches, checkpoints, arrests, and surveillance gear concentrated in Quneitra and western Daraa. New ISIS Blow in Deir ez-Zor: Syrian authorities dismantled an ISIS cell in eastern Deir ez-Zor, detaining the alleged leader and two members; clashes left another suspect dead and wounded a child. Ain Mneen Detentions Spark Local Uproar: Syria’s Interior Ministry moved to release detainees after protests, shop closures, and municipal resignations in Ain Mneen. Reconstruction Financing Watch: J.P. Morgan joined QNB and ADCB on a major Syria-linked loan package for power and airport projects, signaling a tougher international finance phase. Drug Crackdown: Syria’s anti-narcotics directorate seized 7.14 million Captagon pills in July and dismantled trafficking networks.

Israeli Incursions in Southern Syria: Israeli forces carried out a new incursion into Quneitra, setting up a temporary checkpoint on the Al-Hiran–Al-Rafid road to search civilians and vehicles, after a similar operation in northern Quneitra and a raid/search in Daraa’s Wadi al-Ruqqad. Damascus says these moves violate the 1974 Disengagement Agreement. Regional Pressure on Iraq: Syria, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Kuwait appear to be increasing pressure on Iraq to rein in Iranian-backed militias, amid fears the groups are using Iraqi territory to threaten neighbors during heightened regional tensions. Iraq Security Measures: Iraq’s prime minister ordered a joint security committee to prevent attacks or violations against neighboring states, following recent regional strikes and escalating militia activity. Syrian Heat Crisis: Displaced families in Idlib camps are suffering life-threatening summer heat, with tents trapping temperatures above 50°C, scarce water, and unreliable electricity. Syria’s Digital Tourism Push: Syria launched “My Syria,” a tourism and payments super app backed by UAE-based 121 Living, aiming to boost travel services and enable cross-border digital payments. Aleppo Times Note: For Aleppo readers, the most direct local relevance this week is the report on authorities arresting people in an alleged ISIS cell targeting Aleppo.

Israeli Military Works in Daraa: Israeli forces brought heavy machinery to the Wadi al-Raqad area near Ma’ariya in western Daraa, leveling land and repairing a dirt road, raising fresh fears of “new realities” along the border. Border Warnings: Syria and Jordan sent Iraq warnings to stop any use of Iraqi territory for attacks, stressing that any strike from within Iraq would be met with direct response. Education Access: Syria opened applications for equivalency of foreign secondary school certificates starting Aug. 2, requiring authenticated documents and Arabic translations where needed. Tourism Disruption in Syria: Bahrain’s tourism regulator shut an unlicensed travel office after Bahraini citizens were blocked at Damascus airport due to missing security approvals; the embassy later secured entry for affected travelers. Business and Trade: DP World says it is investing about $800m to modernize Tartous port, aiming to turn it into a logistics gateway for Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey. Regional Economy Watch: A report on foreign company registrations in Egypt shows Syria led with 2,290 new firms in H1 2026.

Israeli Incursions in Southern Syria: An Israeli patrol of six vehicles infiltrated from Kafr Lama into Daraa’s Wadi al-Raqad area, set up a brief checkpoint on the bridge, then withdrew back toward occupied territory with no arrests reported. Damascus Infrastructure Strain: The Syrian regime said multiple bridges and roads linking to Lebanon in Homs were put out of service after Israeli strikes. UN and Regional Diplomacy: UN chief António Guterres visited Damascus, urging full international support for Syria and backing a political transition, while new talk of regional security arrangements continues. Syria’s Security Talks with Israel: President Ahmed al-Sharaa said Damascus is working with several countries on a security agreement with Israel, potentially opening a wider path toward peace. Iraq-Turkey Oil Route: Iraq and Turkey signed a one-year deal to export 750,000 barrels per day via the Ceyhan pipeline as Hormuz remains effectively closed. Aleppo/ISIS Focus: Syrian authorities reported arrests and major operations targeting ISIS cells in Aleppo.

UN Diplomacy: UN chief António Guterres called a Hamas-Israel disarmament and Gaza withdrawal plan “the only good news in recent days,” urging the roadmap be followed and warning the region “cannot afford more war.” Gaza Negotiations: Israel’s Danon said Hamas must “actually” disarm and warned against “cosmetic solutions,” while Israel’s stance on troop pullbacks remains contested. Syria Regional Security: Syria joined Saudi Arabia and Jordan in warning Iraq over strikes from Iraqi soil tied to Iran-backed militias, signaling possible direct retaliation. Aleppo Times Focus—Syria Conflict & Accountability: Syrian security forces reported major operations against ISIS cells in Aleppo, including arrests and weapons seizures. Humanitarian/Displacement: UN reporting highlights Syria’s recovery depends on restoring confidence, reviving the economy, and improving daily life as the transition continues. Migration Shock (Ceuta): Spain deployed troops after a surge of nearly 60,000 migrants into Ceuta from Morocco, with dozens reported dead—sparking EU-wide political backlash and comparisons to other regional crises.

Syrian Economy & Investment: Qatar’s Baladna is launching a $3.3bn farming and food-processing project across 2,400 sq km in Syria, aiming to employ thousands and expand production from crops to textiles and cheese, with land leased in the Euphrates basin. UN & Reconstruction Push: The UN chief’s Damascus visit is framed as a “moment of opportunity” to rebuild Syria, with renewed calls for lifting sanctions and backing recovery, reconstruction, and sovereignty. Security Talks: Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa reiterated that Syria is seeking a security arrangement with Israel and ruled out military intervention in Lebanon, while regional diplomacy continues around de-escalation. Trade & Industry: Syria’s NasTex 2026 textile exhibition in Damascus drew 351 exhibitors from 25 countries and produced hundreds of business deals and cooperation agreements. Regional Diplomacy: UAE and Syrian leaders held phone talks on strengthening cooperation and regional security, while other regional meetings focused on stability efforts.

Israeli Incursions in Syria: Residents in Daraa’s Yarmouk Basin say repeated Israeli raids are disrupting farming, restricting access to fields, and driving families to flee at night, with reports of home searches and damage to infrastructure. Quneitra Shelling: Israeli artillery shelled the outskirts of Til al-Ahmar al-Sharqi in southern Quneitra, according to Syrian media, with no casualties reported. Afrin Rights Alarm: The Kurdish National Council condemned killings and rights violations in Afrin, calling for investigations and accountability for attacks on civilians. ISIS “Brides” Trial Moves Forward: A mother and daughter accused of slavery crimes after living under Islamic State rule in Syria pleaded not guilty and are set for a fast-tracked trial in Victoria’s Supreme Court. TPS Fallout Hits Communities: In the U.S., Haitians and Syrians face the end of Temporary Protected Status, with advocates warning of job losses, detentions, and forced returns amid worsening conditions. Lebanon Security Talks: Turkey’s Erdoğan said Ankara will keep backing Lebanon’s sovereignty and is eyeing a role in a new security initiative as UNIFIL’s mandate nears its end.

Syrian Kurds Integration: Damascus says the military and administrative integration with the Syrian Democratic Forces is in its “final phase,” with dissolution preparations largely done and a key meeting expected to approve remaining steps—though disputes over Kurdish language instruction and school translation plans still slow the handover. Border Tensions in Quneitra: Israeli forces reportedly detained a civilian during fresh cross-border incursions into Quneitra, as shelling and raids continue to raise fears of renewed escalation. Religious Rights Under Scrutiny: A Christian Solidarity International report says Christians and other minorities were arbitrarily detained by Syria’s transitional authorities, with detainees sometimes forced to observe Islamic practices and denied access to faith materials. Aleppo Security Probe: Syrian authorities arrested seven in an alleged ISIS cell targeting Aleppo, as Damascus continues counterterror operations. Regional Pressure on Syria: Amid wider US-Iran conflict, airlines suspended Middle East flights again, and the renewed strikes and drone activity are spilling into the region’s airspace and logistics. Digital Push for Recovery: UAE-based Syrian entrepreneurs launched “My Syria,” Syria’s first tourism super app with integrated cross-border payments, aiming to boost visitor services as tourism rebounds.

SDF Integration: Damascus says most of the SDF integration deal is now in motion: four brigades have joined the Syrian army, thousands of recruits entered Internal Security after interviews and training, and more than 1,000 detainees were released as state authorities took over prisons and key services like health, endowments, postal, agriculture and water; oil wells and border crossings are also being transferred, with Alouk water station resuming supply to Al-Hasakah and returns continuing to Afrin, Raqqa and Ras Al-Ain. Aviation Links: Germany resumed direct commercial flights to Syria after nearly 14 years, with a Düsseldorf–Damascus route restarting and new services planned to Aleppo and Damascus. UN/Regional Diplomacy: UN chief Antonio Guterres’ Damascus visit renewed calls for lifting Syria sanctions and backing reconstruction, while condemning Israeli violations around Golan. Humanitarian Pressure: In the US, TPS expiry is again spotlighting Syrians’ and Haitians’ precarious status as communities brace for job loss and fear of deportations. Security/Politics Abroad: A separate wave of Europe-wide counterterror scrutiny followed IS-linked plots and arrests, highlighting online radicalisation and intelligence-sharing gaps.

Border Incursion: The IDF detained three Israeli activists from the “HaBashan Pioneers” settler movement after they breached into Syria’s Mount Hermon area, then handed them to police, calling the move dangerous and disruptive. Regional Diplomacy: Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun told Trump in Washington that the goal is to end hostility with Israel “once and for all,” pointing to a US-brokered framework and Hezbollah’s weakening. Security in Syria: Syria’s new authorities say they’ve arrested ISIS-linked suspects and dismantled cells in Aleppo, while Set Zaynab in Damascus continues to weigh tourism hopes against lingering fear after bomb plots. Currency Watch: Syria’s central bank says about 80% of Assad-era banknotes have been exchanged as the country replaces old currency tied to the former regime—an effort that also tests public trust.

UN Diplomacy: The UN Security Council is set to hold its first secret “straw poll” to gauge support for seven candidates to replace António Guterres as UN chief later this year. Syria Border & Trade: Syria’s land and sea border authority says it plans to reopen the Al-Dabousiyah crossing with Lebanon in September after rehabilitation and modernization, aiming to speed up cargo and passenger movement. Counterterror in Aleppo: Syrian security forces arrested ISIS operatives in a coordinated Aleppo operation, targeting active cells and disrupting planned attacks. UN Refugee Warning: UN officials marked the Refugee Convention’s 75th anniversary by warning that refugee and asylum debates are becoming more politicized, with displaced people too often treated as threats. Regional Talks: Iraq’s new prime minister, Ali al-Zaidi, arrived in Turkey for talks expected to include energy and security cooperation, including pipeline plans that could route Iraqi oil via Syria’s coast.

Syria Diplomacy: Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani held a phone call with Jordan’s Ayman Safadi, discussing ways to strengthen ties and follow up the Syrian-Jordanian council, while stressing solidarity against threats to Jordan’s security. Israel-Lebanon Front: Israel’s defense minister said Israeli forces destroyed 24 Hezbollah-used villages in southern Lebanon and now control about 700 square kilometers, as Katz reiterated Israel won’t withdraw from security zones in Syria, Gaza and Lebanon. UN and Syria Transition: UN Secretary-General Guterres’ Syria push continues to shape the post-Assad agenda, with reports highlighting calls for international support for recovery and political transition. Iraq-Turkey Energy Talks: Iraq’s PM Ali al-Zaidi met Turkey’s Erdogan to deepen cooperation on energy, water and security, with pipeline deals and export routes to Ceyhan and links toward Syria’s Baniyas port on the agenda. Iraq-Saudi Drone Dispute: Baghdad ordered an investigation into Saudi claims of drone attacks launched from Iraqi territory, promising legal action and rejecting Iraq as a launch pad. Syria Fuel Route: Syria-based land exports carried 2.1 million tonnes of Iraqi heavy fuel oil to Europe since April, with road-tanker traffic rising sharply as countries seek alternatives to Hormuz. Security Agreement With Israel: President Ahmad al-Sharaa said Syria is seeking a security agreement with Israel, framed as a path toward broader peace while protecting Syria’s Golan rights. Berlin Pride Attack Fallout: German prosecutors said the Berlin Pride attacker pledged allegiance to ISIS in a video found on a phone in the rented van, as Germany faces renewed debate over terror monitoring and laws.

Syria Security & Diplomacy: UN chief António Guterres wrapped a landmark Damascus visit, calling Syria’s recovery a “real opportunity” and urging the immediate lifting of sanctions, while warning Israeli violations in Syria must stop. Southern Syria Developments: Israeli forces fired on Daraa’s Maariya and advanced toward Jamla, as the Sijil Center reported repeated raids and detentions in Quneitra and western Daraa, describing detentions as a pressure tactic. Israel–Lebanon Framework Tensions: In southern Lebanon, artillery and drone strikes hit multiple towns as the Lebanese army began pilot-zone deployments under the US-brokered framework, with Lebanon warning Israel’s destruction of homes could undermine the deal. Syrian Leadership Signals: Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa reiterated Syria is seeking a security arrangement with Israel and ruled out military intervention in Lebanon, while Germany said it is monitoring Syria closely and may open a new chapter with the new government. Regional Security Backdrop: Drone attacks and strikes across the wider region continued amid the US-Iran pause, keeping pressure on Gulf states and coalition-linked sites. Immigration Shock Ripple (TPS): The US ended Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians, setting up fears of ICE raids and job losses in communities including New York, Massachusetts, Ohio, and Connecticut.

UN Diplomacy in Damascus: UN chief António Guterres began his first Damascus visit since 2009, urging the world to back Syria’s recovery and calling Israel’s actions in the south unacceptable, after meeting interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and touring Sednaya prison. Security Talks with Israel: Sharaa outlined a regional strategy that aims for a future security arrangement with Israel while ruling out any military intervention in Lebanon, as Damascus seeks reconstruction support and stability. Regional Pressure on Borders: Israel detained two civilians after they crossed into Syrian territory near Mount Hermon, while Syria reported fresh Israeli raids and detentions in Quneitra. Syria’s Transition Institutions: Syria’s new parliament convened as a step to rebuild institutions and restore trust, with debate over how much room lawmakers will get to challenge power. Culture and Heritage Under Strain: A new study using satellite imagery says mechanized looting during the war hit more than half of 200 archaeological sites, including major UNESCO-linked locations. Economy and Tech: Syria’s super app Labby raised $10mn from Gulf investors in what officials called the first direct foreign tech investment in the country.

Syria-Israel Talks: Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa says Damascus is working toward a security agreement with Israel, aiming to avoid confrontation and open a path to broader peace—while insisting any deal must not compromise Syria’s legal claim to the Golan Heights. Southern Syria Incursions: Israel carried out a fresh incursion into Quneitra, detaining a civilian after a raid, while forces also advanced in Daraa, according to Syrian state media. UN Push on Sanctions: UN chief Antonio Guterres wrapped up a landmark visit to Damascus urging the immediate removal of all remaining sanctions and calling for sustained international support for recovery, reconstruction, and refugee returns. Guterres on Golan: Guterres also condemned Israel’s violations of the 1974 disengagement framework, calling the situation around Golan “unacceptable” and demanding they stop. Berlin Pride Attack Fallout: In Germany, police shot and killed Abdul Ballout, the suspect in the van-and-machete attack that killed one person and injured 29 at Berlin’s Pride celebrations.