Bashar Assad

The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons has reinstated Syria’s voting rights, citing its cooperation in destroying hidden chemical munitions. This decision follows a five-year suspension due to Syria’s past use of toxic gas and recent actions to dismantle remaining weapons under new leadership, including President Ahmad al-Sharaa. The U.S. also recently removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism.

Lebanese singer Fadel Shaker was released on bail after surrendering to authorities and facing charges of belonging to an armed group and involvement in 2013 clashes between Sunni militants and the Lebanese army near Sidon. His retrial is ongoing as part of a continuing investigation into the incidents.

Emmanuel Macron visited Syria, becoming the first EU leader to do so since Bashar Assad's fall and Ahmed al-Sharaa's rise as president. The visit occurred 18 months after Assad's downfall.

A Vienna court convicted two former Syrian security officials for torture and sexual assault against opponents of Bashar Assad's regime. The officials included a former intelligence chief in Raqqa.

French President Emmanuel Macron will visit Syria soon, becoming the first Western leader to do so since former President Bashar Assad's 2024 ouster. The visit follows Macron's May 2025 meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Paris, during which he pledged to advocate for lifting sanctions on Syria, most of which have already been removed. Macron will attend a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, and be accompanied by French investors.

French President Emmanuel Macron will visit Syria, becoming the first Western leader to do so since former President Bashar Assad's ouster in 2024. Macron previously hosted Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Paris in May 2025 and pledged to advocate for lifting sanctions on Syria. The visit coincides with Macron's attendance at a NATO summit in Ankara.