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Charles Lister

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by Charles Lister

Substack
Syria Weekly: September 30-October 7

Parliamentary elections empower political middle-ground; SDF hostilities spiral in Aleppo amid surge in US mediation; French investors in Damascus; Syria-Russia military diplomacy ramps up; & more. Parliamentary elections empower political middle-ground; SDF hostilities spiral in Aleppo amid surge in US mediation; French investors in Damascus; Syria-Russia military diplomacy ramps up; & more.

Reposts 0 20h

by Charles Lister

Substack
Syria's Parliament Takes Shape: 2/3 seats confirmed

Men dominate, but Syrian politics turns to the center ground, as Kurds, Alawites, Christians, Ismailis & Turkmen also secure seats. Syria’s indirect parliamentary elections took place on Sunday October 5, as electoral colleges containing approximately 6,000 members voted in a total of 119 parliamentarians representing 49 electoral districts nationwide. The 119 winning candidates were themselves members of the electoral colleges, which were selected through applications, local engagements and petitioning and consultation with the 11-member (9 men, 2 women) Supreme Committee, which was established on June 13 and is made up of noted political figures from Aleppo, Damascus, Tartus, Hasakeh, Hama, Homs, Rif Dimashq and Idlib.

Reposts 0 1d

by Charles Lister

Substack
Data Update (September 23-30, 2025)

ISIS' deadliest week of 2025 pushes violence up in Syria; but more broadly, violence remains at record lows. Meanwhile, SDF-Damascus violence & Suwayda drug trafficking persists. The overall level of violence in Syria rose last week, with a total of 41 deaths recorded — up from just 28 and 23 the previous two weeks. This marked rise in violent deaths was attributable to a very significant intensification of deadly ISIS attacks, 14 of which were confirmed last week, leaving a total of 14 people dead (compared to the average of 7 ISIS attacks and 3 deaths per week since January).

Reposts 0 5d

by Charles Lister

Substack
Syria Weekly: September 23-29, 2025

Syria at the heart of UNGA in New York -- 36 diplomatic engagements & an UNGA address; Idlib raises $208 million; parliamentary elections move forward; ISIS escalates attacks in SDF areas; & more. Syria at the heart of UNGA in New York -- 36 diplomatic engagements & an UNGA address; Idlib raises $208 million; parliamentary elections move forward; ISIS escalates attacks in SDF areas; & more.

Reposts 0 7d

by Charles Lister

Substack
Data Update (September 16-23, 2025)

Violence across Syria remained at all-time low levels last week, with a total of 28 deaths nationwide, 5 (18%) of which were caused by unexploded ordnance (UXO). That means that the last month has seen an average of 24 non-UXO deaths per week, which is

Reposts 0 13d

by Charles Lister

Substack
Syria Weekly: September 16-23, 2025

President al-Sharaa in New York for UNGA as 1st Syrian president since 1967; Foreign Minister visits Washington DC & raises flag at Embassy; Syrian-Israeli negotiations near security agreement; & more President al-Sharaa in New York for UNGA as 1st Syrian president since 1967; Foreign Minister visits Washington DC & raises flag at Embassy; Syrian-Israeli negotiations near security agreement; & more

Reposts 0 14d

by Charles Lister

Substack
Data Update (September 9-16, 2025)

Violence drops significantly, reaching lowest level ever; Syria's Coast calms, but ISIS attacks persist (& spread to Daraa) & tensions in SDF-held northeast continue. Violence across Syria declined significantly to a record low level last week, with a total of 23 deaths confirmed across all 14 governorates over 7 days. That number is 20% lower than the previous low of 29 deaths that were recorded in the week of August 26-September 2. Of the 23 deaths confirmed last week, 4 (or 17%) were caused by exploded ordnance (UXO).

Reposts 0 19d

by Charles Lister

Substack
Syria Weekly: September 9-16, 2025

US-Jordan talks achieve Suwayda roadmap; US CENTCOM Commander makes inaugural visit to Damascus; 14,000 candidates file for electoral bodies; Lebanon diplomacy moves; ISIS attacks in Daraa; & more. US-Jordan talks achieve Suwayda roadmap; US CENTCOM Commander makes inaugural visit to Damascus; 14,000 candidates file for electoral bodies; Lebanon diplomacy moves; ISIS attacks in Daraa; & more.

Reposts 0 21d

by Charles Lister

Substack
Data Update (August 26-September 9, 2025)

The past two weeks were Syria’s least deadly since Assad’s fall 9 months ago — both in terms of overall deaths from all causes (69 deaths confirmed) and in terms of direct, kinetic violence not attributable to unexploded ordinance (54 deaths confirmed). The week of August 26-September 2 recorded an especially low rate of violence, with just 29 deaths reported, 7 (or 24%) of which were caused by UXO. Until then, the least violent week of all had come in August 5-12, when 36 deaths were confirmed — 10 (28%) caused by UXO.

Reposts 0 26d

by Charles Lister

Substack
FREE: Syria Weekly: September 2-9, 2025

Syria Development Fund launches; Saudi invests $1.4bn in development projects; UAE investors visit; French CMA CGM begins Latakia Port development; Baniyas refinery begins upgrades; & more. Syria Development Fund launches; Saudi invests $1.4bn in development projects; UAE investors visit; French CMA CGM begins Latakia Port development; Baniyas refinery begins upgrades; & more.

Reposts 0 28d

by Charles Lister

Substack
Syria Weekly: August 26-September 2, 2025

Syria's 1st oil export; Nokia & Samsung return; Damascus International Fair relaunches amid more Saudi investment deals; Sharaa travels to Hama, Homs & Idlib; & major Israel strikes hit near Damascus. Syria's 1st oil export; Nokia & Samsung return; Damascus International Fair relaunches amid more Saudi investment deals; Sharaa travels to Hama, Homs & Idlib; & major Israel strikes hit near Damascus.

Reposts 0 Sep 4

by Charles Lister

Substack
Data Update (August 19-26, 2025)

Kinetic violence drops to near-record level; but the UXO threat persists & vigilantism accounts for 66% of all non-UXO deaths. Meanwhile, ISIS is on track for most aggressive month of 2025. While the overall level of violent deaths remained almost the same this past week compared to the last, the proportion of violence attributed to unexploded ordinance (UXO) rose significantly — with 10 of 40 (25%) deaths caused by UXOs.

Reposts 0 Aug 28

by Charles Lister

Substack
Syria Weekly: August 19-26, 2025

US sanctions end amid Congressional visit to Damascus; Parliamentary election prep moves forward; Suwayda aid effort increases; Israeli military re-escalates; Daraa launches fundraising effort; & more US sanctions end amid Congressional visit to Damascus; Parliamentary election prep moves forward; Suwayda aid effort increases; Israeli military re-escalates; Daraa launches fundraising effort; & more

Reposts 0 Aug 26

by Charles Lister

Substack
Data Update (August 12-19, 2025)

Vigilante violence accounts for 64% of all deaths. Meanwhile, ISIS attacks persist, the anti-gov't insurgency re-emergence continues & Suwayda-Daraa violence underlines need for a real solution. The overall level of violence rose over the past week, with a total of 41 deaths confirmed — 2 (or 5%) of which were caused by unexploded ordinance (UXO). While this level of violence is more or less on par with the average witnessed over recent months (with the exception of the explosive violence in Suwayda in mid-July), it does mark a considerable increase in non-UXO violence compared to the week prior, when 36 deaths were confirmed, 10 of which were the result of UXO incidents.

Reposts 0 Aug 21

by Charles Lister

Substack
Syria Weekly: August 12-19, 2025

Negotiations on Suwayda & NE Syria continue; Damascus-Orthodox Church dialogue breakthrough; Turkish military accord signed; Suwayda aid mechanism talks intensify; Saudi investment pact & more. Negotiations on Suwayda & NE Syria continue; Damascus-Orthodox Church dialogue breakthrough; Turkish military accord signed; Suwayda aid mechanism talks intensify; Saudi investment pact & more.

Reposts 0 Aug 19

by Charles Lister

Substack
Data Update (July 29-August 12, 2025)

Least violent week since Assad's fall; but continuing tensions see the anti-gov't insurgency re-emerge; ISIS attacks surge; and UXO incidents rise. The overall level of violence across Syria declined this past week to the lowest level recorded since Assad’s fall 8 months ago — with a total of 36 deaths recorded nationwide, 10 (28%) of which were attributed to unexploded ordinance (UXO). Until now, the least violent week of 2025 had been June 24-July 1, when a total of 39 deaths were confirmed, 7 (18%) of which were caused in UXO incidents.

Reposts 0 Aug 14

by Charles Lister

Substack
Syria Weekly: July 29-August 12, 2025

ISIS attacks & Israeli ground incursions surge; the anti-government insurgency re-emerges after months of quiet; & tensions with the SDF & Suwayda rise. ISIS attacks & Israeli ground incursions surge; the anti-government insurgency re-emerges after months of quiet; & tensions with the SDF & Suwayda rise.

Reposts 0 Aug 12

by Charles Lister

Substack
Weekly Data Update (July 22-29, 2025)

Violence returns to average levels, with vigilantism responsible for 49% of all deaths. Meanwhile, ISIS attacks increased sharply & Israeli strikes ended. With an internationally-mediated ceasefire in place in Suwayda, the overall level of violence across Syria returned to average levels this past week — with 46 deaths confirmed in violent incidents, including 5 (11%) from unexploded ordinance (UXO). Excepting the recent surge in hostilities in Suwayda,

Reposts 0 Jul 31

by Charles Lister

Substack
Syria Weekly: July 22-29, 2025

$6.4bn of Saudi investments; Syria-Israel talks in Paris; SARC leads aid response to Suwayda; parliamentary elections set for Sept 15-20; Azerbaijan gas to begin Aug 1; ISIS surges attacks; & more. $6.4bn of Saudi investments; Syria-Israel talks in Paris; SARC leads aid response to Suwayda; parliamentary elections set for Sept 15-20; Azerbaijan gas to begin Aug 1; ISIS surges attacks; & more.

Reposts 0 Jul 29

by Charles Lister

Substack
Weekly Data Update (July 15-22, 2025)

The overall level of violence exploded in Syria over the past week, with at least 504 deaths confirmed between July 15-22 — 486 (96%) of which were attributed to major hostilities and violence in the Druze-majority governorate of Suwayda. On top of the additional 118 deaths confirmed in Suwayda between July 12-14, that made for a total of at least 604 people killed in Suwayda’s 7-day conflict (July 12-19).

Reposts 0 Jul 24

by Charles Lister

Substack
Syria Weekly: July 15-22, 2025

Suwayda violence leaves 100s dead, as Israel hits Damascus, Druze militia take control & Bedouins flee; + diplomatic & economic engagements in Damascus surge; Coastal investigation concludes & more. Suwayda violence leaves 100s dead, as Israel hits Damascus, Druze militia take control & Bedouins flee; + diplomatic & economic engagements in Damascus surge; Coastal investigation concludes & more.

Reposts 0 Jul 22

by Charles Lister

Substack
Weekly Data Update (July 8-15, 2025)

Suwayda hostilities see Syria's overall violence level surge; More broadly however, violence remains at all-time lows -- making unresolved territorial issues vitally important challenges. The overall level of violence increased dramatically this past week, with a total of 167 violent deaths confirmed over a 7-day period, 14 of which (8%) were caused by unexploded ordinance (UXO). The huge spike in violence was attributable to the eruption of large-scale hostilities in the Druze-majority governorate of Suwayda — where 118 deaths were confirmed in fighting that began on July 12 and ran through to the end of the week’s recording period on July 15. That means Suwayda’s violence accounted for 77% of all non-UXO deaths in Syria.

Reposts 0 Jul 17

by Charles Lister

Substack
Syria Weekly: July 8-15, 2025

Suwayda's status comes to a head; SDF talks breakdown; Azerbaijan visit promises gas supply; DP World signs $800 million contract for Tartus Port; wildfires under control; & more. Suwayda's status comes to a head; SDF talks breakdown; Azerbaijan visit promises gas supply; DP World signs $800 million contract for Tartus Port; wildfires under control; & more.

Reposts 0 Jul 15

by Charles Lister

Substack
Weekly Data Update (July 1-8, 2025)

3rd least violent week of 2025; vigilantism accounts for 60% of deaths, as "justice" poses major challenge to Damascus; ISIS returns to Hama desert; & Israeli incursions continue at high level. The overall level of violence across Syria remained fairly steady this past week, with a total of 45 deaths recorded — 8 (18%) of which were caused by unexploded ordinance (UXO). Since May 1, Syria Weekly has recorded an average of 53 non-UXO deaths per week, but the past two weeks have been significantly under that — at 32 (June 24-July 1) and 37 (July 1-8). This average, gradual downward trend in violence is an extremely encouraging sign, amidst many still persistent and unresolved structural issues that are otherwise still driving tensions and violence across the country.

Reposts 0 Jul 10

by Charles Lister

Substack
Syria Weekly: July 1-8, 2025

Syria reveals new 'national identity;' US revokes HTS designation; Israel talks continue as President al-Sharaa visits UAE; UK restores diplomatic ties; & wildfires trigger multinational response. Syria reveals new 'national identity;' US revokes HTS designation; Israel talks continue as President al-Sharaa visits UAE; UK restores diplomatic ties; & wildfires trigger multinational response.

Reposts 0 Jul 8

by Charles Lister

Substack
Weekly Data Update (June 24-July 1, 2025)

Violence reaches lowest level since Assad's fall, as vigilante justice caused nearly 80% of all deaths across Syria. Violence across Syria over the past week dropped to its lowest level since Assad’s fall, with a total of 39 deaths recorded nationwide - 7 (18%) of which were caused by unexploded munitions (UXO). Notwithstanding a brief uptick in violence in late-April (resulting from several days of hostilities directed at, within and involving Syria’s Druze community), Syria’s violence has been on a gradual downward trend since late-March.

Reposts 0 Jul 3

by Charles Lister

Substack
Syria Weekly: June 24-July 1, 2025

Trump lifts more sanctions; World Bank issues 1st grant; Israel talks reach make/break moment; $1.5bn media city MOU; parliament election committee travels the country; & much more. Trump lifts more sanctions; World Bank issues 1st grant; Israel talks reach make/break moment; $1.5bn media city MOU; parliament election committee travels the country; & much more.

Reposts 0 Jul 1

by Charles Lister

Substack
Weekly Data Update (June 17-24, 2025)

Church bombing kills 25, illustrating danger of ISIS-linked sectarianism. More widely, violence gradually declines, but vigilante justice persists. The overall level of violence across Syria rose this past week, with 63 deaths confirmed in total. This rise compared to previous weeks was entirely attributable to the June 22 suicide bombing in the St Elias Church in Damascus’s western Dwe’la suburb that killed 25 people. Were it not for that one terrorist attack, Syria would have completed its least violent week since Assad’s fall — with 38 other deaths confirmed across the country, 4 (10%) of which were caused by unexploded ordinance (UXO).

Reposts 0 Jun 26

by Charles Lister

Substack
Syria Weekly: June 17-24, 2025

Syria re-enters SWIFT & public sector salaries get 200% rise; parliamentary election committee begins work; Damascus-SDF tensions rise; & suicide bombing kills dozens in Damascus church. Syria re-enters SWIFT & public sector salaries get 200% rise; parliamentary election committee begins work; Damascus-SDF tensions rise; & suicide bombing kills dozens in Damascus church.

Reposts 0 Jun 24

by Charles Lister

Substack
Weekly Data Update (June 10-17, 2025)

Vigilante justice & targeting killings dominate violence; Israeli ground incursions escalate; & US-led raids on ISIS force a reduction in attacks. The overall level of violence across Syria remained steady this week, with 54 deaths confirmed in total — 9 (17%) of which were the result of unexploded ordinance (UXO). That placed the past week’s 45 non-UXO violent deaths notably below the 2025 average of 55; as has consistently been the case for the past month.

Reposts 0 Jun 19

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