Syria

As of late June 2026, Syria is in a fragile transitional phase following the rapid collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024.

Leadership and Political Structure

• President Ahmed al-Sharaa (formerly Abu Muhammad al-Jolani) leads the country. He headed HTS, which has since disbanded. Sharaa has renounced ties to Al Qaeda and ISIS.
• A five-year transitional constitutional declaration was issued in March 2025.
• The government combines former HTS figures, technocrats, and some minority representatives.

Territorial Control and Security

• The transitional government controls most of Syria, including Damascus, Aleppo, Homs, and Hama.
• Ongoing integration with the Kurdish-led SDF in the northeast.
• Sporadic sectarian incidents occur, but large-scale chaos has been contained.
• ISIS has no territorial control but remains a residual threat.

Recent Developments (June 2026)

• Indirect elections held across most areas, but the 210-seat People’s Assembly has not yet fully convened.
• Protests demanding accountability for past regime crimes.
• Economic recovery efforts are active despite massive war damage and sanctions.

International Context & Assessment

The U.S., Turkey, Israel, and Gulf states are engaged. The transition shows surprising stability but remains incomplete and vulnerable. Success depends on inclusive governance and rebuilding.