Editorial Note: Unprecedented Uncertainty

Aoun al-Dadat Crossing: The Intersection of Extortion and Lawlessness

The Aoun al-Dadat crossing in northern Syria epitomizes corruption and abuse, with displaced families suffering extortion and violence under local powerbroker Zakouri’s control.

Syrian Entrepreneurship in Türkiye

Syrian businesses in Türkiye boost the economy with jobs and exports but face anti-immigrant sentiment, regulatory hurdles, and limited resources.

US Sanctions Legislation Up in the Air

With Caesar expiring soon and the Anti-Normalization Act parked in the Senate, what have Syrian Americans been advocating? What are the points of contention?

Beijing's Empty Promises to Damascus

China's promises of investment, including those made after Syria’s admission to the Belt and Road Initiative, remain unfulfilled, hindered by instability, sanctions, and Russian-Iranian dominance.

External Contribution: Steven Heydemann

Smith College, and The Brookings Institution Syria in the Crosshairs: US Policy in the Trump Administration

What does Trump’s presidency mean for Syria? Professor Heydemann shares his views on the main characteristics of the incoming administration and the possible scenarios.

Interview: Ibrahim Olabi

Founder of The Syrian Legal Development Programme and Barrister at Guernica 37 Justice for Syria: The Role of Litigation and AccountabilityThis interview highlights how litigation and accountability foster justice and stability in Syria, tackling challenges like sanctions, funding, and normalization in a post-conflict transition.

What Does Syria’s 2025 Budget Tell Us about the State of the Economy?

Syria’s 2025 budget prioritizes fiscal stability over social support despite a worsening humanitarian crisis and an increasing number of returnees.

Winners and Losers: Syrian Refugees’ Impact on Türkiye

While a burden to the state, Syrians in Türkiye have become essential to vital economic sectors and boosted export competitiveness.

Israeli Strikes Threaten Syria–Lebanon Trade

Israeli strikes on the Masnaa Crossing have driven up Syria–Lebanon shipping costs, sparking price hikes and trade disruptions.

CMA-CGM’s High-Stakes Gamble in Syria’s Latakia Port

French shipping giant CMA-CGM remains anchored at Syria’s Latakia Port despite sanctions, security risks, and Iranian competition.

External Contribution: UK Sanctions in Syria: Optimising, not Opting Out

Ann Snow sets out the UK’s sanctions approach, clarifying who they target and the work done to tackle unintended consequences. Snow emphasizes that sanctions target the Assad regime and its allies, while the UK adapts regulations to support humanitarian efforts and early recovery projects across Syria.