Tag: Levant Studies Unit

Three people, including two children, painting the "Free Syria" flag on a large white wall.

Syria’s Transitional Government: International Recognition Amid Domestic Fragility

Ahmed al-Sharaa’s administration in Syria marked its first anniversary by achieving diplomatic milestones and facing internal strife post-Bashar al-Assad’s fall. Key successes include gaining Western backing, with the U.S. and U.K. removing Sharaa from terrorist lists, and normalizing relations through significant meetings, notably with President Trump. These diplomatic efforts led to sanctions relief under the Caesar Act and Syria’s return to SWIFT, fostering prospects for economic recovery amid challenges in asserting control over the diverse sectarian landscape.

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Vladimir Putin seated across a table from a Syrian official, in a formal meeting setting with flags in the background

Moscow’s Survival Strategy: Navigating the Post-Assad Order in Syria

The October 2025 summit in Moscow between Vladimir Putin and Ahmed al-Sharaa highlights a shift in Russia’s diplomatic strategy following the collapse of the Ba’athist regime in Syria. Contrary to predictions of diminished Russian influence, the Kremlin has adapted its approach, favoring transactional pragmatism over ideological loyalty. By engaging with former adversaries, Russia seeks to preserve its strategic interests in the Mediterranean, underscoring that its foreign policy is primarily motivated by practical concerns.

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