Staunch northern Syrian city at the heart of conflict and governance
UNHCR has reported that global forced displacement has fallen for the first time in a decade to about 117.8 million at the end of 2025, driven largely by mass returns: roughly 14.7 million displaced people went home last year, including about 1.3 million to Syria. The agency warns many returns have been involuntary or to unsafe, damaged areas.
Saudi Arabia and Turkey are advancing a cross-border railway corridor linking Mecca to Istanbul, with potential extensions to Jordan, Syria and beyond. The plan aims to diversify economies and provide a land route to Europe, but experts say it will not replace sea transport for oil and bulk cargo. Feasibility tests on the Syria–Jordan–Iraq route have shown viability, with studies due by year’s end.
The latest updates show regional tensions intensifying as Syrian authorities caution against escalation while U.S. and allies pursue counterterrorism actions tied to ISIS activities.
Parliament has convened for the first time under a five-year transitional framework after Bashar al-Assad’s ouster. The assembly includes appointees by President al-Sharaa and elected members, with debates over representation, a new constitution, and transitional justice shaping the agenda.