Ahmad al-Sharaa

Ahmad al-Sharaa is the interim President of Syria. He is newsworthy due to recent escalations in the Syrian conflict and attempts to stabilize the country. He recently met with Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss rebuilding Syria's war-battered economy, indicating Russia's continued support. Al-Sharaa also announced a ceasefire with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), although clashes between Syrian government forces and the SDF have been reported near a prison holding Islamic State inmates and in Aleppo, leading to civilian displacement. These events highlight the complex and volatile situation in Syria, with the government attempting to consolidate control while facing ongoing conflict with Kurdish forces and the continued threat of ISIS. The US continues to conduct retaliatory strikes in the region.