Syrian Government

The Syrian government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa since December 2024, is currently engaged in negotiations and agreements with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to resolve tensions in northeastern Syria. These developments are newsworthy due to the potential for ending a month-long conflict and integrating Kurdish forces and institutions into the Syrian state. Recent events include a series of ceasefires, culminating in an agreement for a permanent truce and the gradual integration of the SDF. As part of these agreements, the Syrian government has taken control of areas previously held by the SDF, including the city of Raqqa and al-Aqtan prison, where ISIL-linked detainees were held. The U.S. military is also transferring ISIS fighters from Syrian prisons to Iraq amidst these shifts in control. The Syrian government's actions are significant as they aim to reassert control over northeastern Syria and address the issue of Kurdish autonomy, while also impacting the handling of ISIS detainees in the region.