AGP Executive Report

Earthquake preparedness: Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) and the IFRC ran a ShakeSmart workshop in Doha to turn earthquake risk communication into practical, culturally tailored public messages across MENA, focusing on “drop, cover and hold on.” Syria investment push: The US Chamber of Commerce says American firms are moving early to invest in Syria as the transitional government seeks a pro-business environment after the US lifted its terrorism designation. Finance cooperation: The UAE Central Bank and Syria’s Central Bank signed an MoU covering payments, fintech, climate risk management, sustainable finance, and financial inclusion. Underwater heritage plan: Syria is pitching a landmark underwater museum off Latakia to repurpose military equipment into a marine habitat. Security and border tensions: A report claims secret Syria–Hezbollah talks in Turkey aimed at reducing friction over smuggling and armed cells, while Damascus and Ankara deny it. Quneitra engineering work: Israeli forces resumed excavation for the “Sufa 53” project near the Yarmouk Basin, raising new concerns for the ceasefire line.

Earthquake preparedness in MENA: Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) and the IFRC ran a “ShakeSmart” workshop in Doha to turn earthquake risk communication into practical, culturally tailored public messages, training communication focal points on “drop, cover and hold on.” Syria investment push: A report says US investors are moving early to back Syria’s transitional government as it tries to attract foreign capital after the US lifted a key terrorism designation, with the World Bank estimating $216 billion needed for rebuilding. Southern Syria border tensions: Syrian media reports Israeli artillery shelling near Abdeen village in western Daraa, adding to ongoing security incidents along the border. Aviation security shock: Investigations into an alleged Flydubai cockpit attack focus on the co-pilot’s reported extremist posts and prior airline dismissal—an incident that has renewed scrutiny of vetting and safety. Green politics shift: UK Green Party members passed a motion defining “Zionism is racism,” a move that signals a major ideological turn away from the party’s traditional environmental focus.

Earthquake preparedness in MENA: Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) hosted the IFRC “ShakeSmart” Regional Communication Workshop in Doha, training communications focal points to turn risk messages into practical, culturally tailored plans for urban earthquake readiness, including the “drop, cover and hold on” drill and community awareness tools. Syria investment push: A report says US investors are moving to engage early with Syria’s transitional government, with the US Chamber of Commerce holding a Damascus roundtable and highlighting sectors eyeing long-term partnership as sanctions ease and rebuilding needs grow. Financial cooperation with climate risk focus: The UAE Central Bank agreed to deepen regulatory cooperation with Syria’s central bank, covering payment systems and also climate risk management and sustainable finance. Southern Syria security impacts: Syrian media reported Israeli artillery shelling near Abdeen village in western Daraa, with no immediate official comment on casualties or damage.

Disaster Preparedness: Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) hosted the IFRC “ShakeSmart” Regional Communication Workshop in Doha, bringing together MENA communications focal points to turn earthquake awareness tools into practical, culturally tailored public messages and drills focused on “drop, cover, and hold on.” Regional Security & Border Tensions: Syrian media reported Israeli artillery shelling near Abdeen village in western Daraa, with no immediate official comment; separately, reports said Israeli forces raided Ma’ariya in the Yarmouk Basin area with about 15 vehicles, searching homes. Syria Climate Finance & Risk Planning: The UAE Central Bank signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Syria’s Central Bank to expand cooperation on payment systems, monetary policy, and—importantly—climate risk management and sustainable finance, alongside financial inclusion and literacy. Humanitarian Awareness: QRCS’s earthquake focus also ties to broader MENA risk communication efforts aimed at reducing disaster harm through better public understanding.

Syria–UAE finance ties: The UAE and Syria’s central banks signed a Memorandum of Understanding to deepen cooperation on payment systems, monetary policy, cash management, financial technology, and—importantly for climate resilience—climate risk management and sustainable finance. Southern Syria security: Israeli forces raided Ma’ariya in Daraa countryside with about 15 vehicles, searching homes and raising fear in the Yarmouk Basin area. Red Sea risk: A diplomatic rupture between Ethiopia and Eritrea is spilling into the western Red Sea, with analysts warning that weaker maritime enforcement could open gaps for hostile actors along key shipping lanes. Environment angle on conflict: With regional instability tightening around sea routes and Syria’s border areas, the knock-on effects for trade, fuel flows, and local recovery remain a major pressure point for communities trying to rebuild. Aviation incident with Syria links: Reports on the Flydubai co-pilot accused in an attempted crash point to time spent in Syria, adding another layer to how conflict zones can intersect with regional security.

Climate & Finance: The UAE and Syria’s central banks signed a cooperation MoU covering payment systems, monetary policy, cash management and financial tech—plus climate risk management and sustainable finance. Local Security: In Daraa’s Ma’ariya (Yarmouk Basin), an Israeli force of about 15 vehicles raided and searched homes, heightening fear in the area. Water & Energy Pressure: With Hormuz tensions rising, an Iranian cleric warned that oil exports and regional airports could be disrupted; the same day, a tanker incident was reported in the Strait. Environment-linked Recovery: Syria’s push for rebuilding includes a proposal for an underwater museum off Latakia that aims to turn military wreckage into a marine habitat. Food Security Risk: A report warns Middle East escalation could worsen food security for millions of women and girls by end-2026. Regional Water Policy: Jordan’s mega water plan is flagged as risking long-term fossil gas lock-in.

Underwater Heritage & Ecology: Syria unveiled “From War to Life,” a proposed underwater museum off Latakia that would blend Palmyra-inspired structures, Syrian contemporary art, and marine regeneration—using specially treated, decommissioned war equipment to create habitats and support diving tourism, education, and research (still at concept stage). Women-led Co-ops in Rojava: In northeast Syria (Rojava), women’s cooperative farming and factories are seeking international solidarity and recognition, with organizers highlighting democratic local governance, gender liberation, and ecology as the backbone of their model. Energy & Climate Pressure: A UNDP report warns fuel subsidies may exceed $1 trillion as El Niño and geopolitical shocks strain budgets, pushing governments toward harder-to-sustain relief measures—an issue that can ripple into Syria’s energy and food costs. Water Security Lens: Jordan’s planned desalination push is framed as climate adaptation, but critics note it risks locking in fossil gas demand for power—relevant for regional water planning and emissions debates. Cyber Risk to Syria: A China-nexus hacking campaign reportedly targeted organizations across Asia, including Syria, with phishing lures aimed at government, defense, and e-government groups.

Water & Child Health in Syria: UNICEF says 6.9 million Syrian children urgently need humanitarian help, while noting support for school rehab, immunization, nutrition, and reactivating Damascus’ Jobar water pumping station to restore safe drinking water for over 1 million people. Civil Documents & Data Systems: Syria’s interior minister outlines plans for new personal ID cards and official documents, built on a unified national data bank and a contract with a major global printing/digital identity firm. Humanitarian Access via Water Infrastructure: UNICEF’s field visit highlights how restoring basic services like clean water and sanitation is central to children’s wellbeing and long-term prospects. Regional Security Pressure: With U.S. forces leaving Iraq and ending Operation Inherent Resolve, analysts warn of a security vacuum that could spill into the wider region, affecting stability and aid delivery. UN Governance & Funding Strain: Commentary around UN leadership and global hunger alarms points to worsening humanitarian shortfalls that can hit Syria’s most vulnerable communities hardest.

UN Leadership & Climate Diplomacy: António Guterres’ departure is framed as a mixed legacy—he pushed climate diplomacy and the 2022 Black Sea Grain deal, but critics point to UN budget cuts, humanitarian shortfalls, and limited impact on major conflicts. Iraq Withdrawal & Regional Security: The US formally ends its long Iraq mission as the last troops leave, shifting security responsibility to Iraqi forces—raising fresh concerns about Daesh remnants and Iran-aligned armed groups. Syria Water, Trade & Regional Stability: Jordan’s UN messaging links Syria’s stability to water and broader security, highlighting how regional shocks can ripple into livelihoods and development. Syria Energy/Water Financing: The IsDB board approves $938m for clean energy, food security, health, transport, and water/sanitation across member countries—relevant to Syria’s wider recovery needs. Syria Development & Aid Funding: The World Bank backs a $100m Syria grant, while UN-linked reporting notes over 60,000 Syrians returned from displacement camps since January. Children’s Rights in Jordan: UNICEF praises Jordan’s progress on children’s rights but warns declining funding could stall essential services.

Clean Energy & Water Funding: The Islamic Development Bank approved $938m for projects across energy, agriculture, health, transport, and water/sanitation in six member countries, including wind power and climate-smart farming—an environmental boost with knock-on effects for food and public health. Syria Finance Modernization: The World Bank approved a $100m grant to modernize Syria’s financial sector, aiming to improve banking supervision, digital payments, and financial integrity—key for rebuilding services and enabling investment. EU-Syria Cooperation: EU High Representative Kaja Kallas met Syrian officials in Damascus to expand cooperation on social protection, sustainable development, and reintegration of returnees, with talks tied to lifting sanctions and restarting partnerships. Higher Education Access in Syria: Syria said Kobani University degrees will be recognized without changes, supporting graduates’ ability to work across Syria. Water & Energy Stress in the Region: Reports highlight renewed pressure around vital waterways and energy security concerns tied to the Hormuz area, underscoring how regional shocks can quickly spill into climate and resource planning.

World Bank & Syria Recovery Finance: The World Bank approved a US$100M IDA grant to modernize Syria’s financial sector, aiming to upgrade banking supervision, cybersecurity, digital payments, and financial integrity—key steps for trade, investment, and safer delivery of aid. Rights & Reconstruction Watch: Human Rights Watch warns Syria’s redevelopment is moving fast but risks leaving people with “a raw deal” unless a rights framework is built in—deciding whose homes are rebuilt and whose claims are recognized. Water, Energy & Food Funding: The Islamic Development Bank approved a US$938M package across six member countries, including support for clean energy, climate-smart agriculture, health, transport, and water and sanitation—areas that directly shape resilience in the region. Syria Budget Controls: Syria approved measures to rationalize public spending, protecting essentials like health, education, water, energy, and security while postponing nonessential projects amid fears of a harsh winter and rising fuel costs. Water Security Tension: A report highlights claims of “desiccation policy” and seizure of water basins in southern Syria that supply Jordan, raising alarms for regional water and agriculture.

Fuel Crisis in Syria: Syria’s post-revolutionary government faces fresh unrest as fuel prices jump 26% and diesel rises 40%, squeezing households already hit by poverty, power-price hikes, and inflation—protests are spreading as people ask how to keep lights on when they can’t afford it. Rights & Reconstruction: Human Rights Watch warns that Syria’s fast-growing redevelopment deals could leave returning families exposed unless a clear rights framework protects property claims and participation. Water Security Pressure: A report warns Israel’s southern Syria strategy could include seizing water basins that supply Jordan, threatening agriculture and regional stability. Heritage Tech in Aleppo: Aleppo Citadel launched “Touristech,” using interactive tech and QR-based info to improve visits while preserving the site’s identity. Water Risk in Camps: UNICEF flags that Zaatari’s water and sanitation services could fail within months without urgent funding, as rainfall drops and groundwater access tightens.

Fuel Protests in Syria: Spiking fuel and diesel prices—linked to the Iran war’s pressure on energy costs—pushed Damascus to raise fuel 26% and diesel 40%, triggering nationwide protests and highlighting how fragile Syria’s recovery is for the poorest households. Water Stress in Camps: UN warnings say Zaatari’s water and sanitation services could stop within months without urgent funding, as rainfall declines, groundwater is strained, and demand keeps rising. Displacement Returns: UN reports more than 60,000 Syrians returned from displacement camps since January, with convoys continuing under Syria’s “No Camps Vision,” though returns are adding strain to host communities. Heritage Tech in Aleppo: Aleppo Citadel launched “Touristech,” using interactive tech and QR-linked info to improve visits while keeping sites’ identity intact. Fresh Water Mapping: A new global map shows where humans are adding and removing precious fresh water—useful context for Syria’s ongoing water pressures. UNGA Climate/Water Signals: UN debates and regional statements repeatedly tied stability to energy and navigation, underscoring how conflict-driven shocks ripple into environment and basic services.

Returns from camps: UN says over 60,000 Syrians have returned from displacement sites since January, with departures accelerating in July-August and more convoys moving families to home areas under Syria’s “No Camps Vision,” while warning returns are straining receiving communities. Volcanic monitoring in Hasakah: Syria’s geology authority is studying steam, ground subsidence and surface cracks at the Sharat Kovakab volcanic field near Hasakah, saying early data aren’t enough to confirm renewed volcanic activity and more field surveys are underway. Water, energy and livelihoods support: Qatar Charity launched a $1mn+ training push for 540 people across Aleppo, Idlib, Jisr al-Shughur and Al-Amal City, including solar and digital skills, to help vulnerable groups find work and start small businesses. Digital aid payments: Circle Foundation backed UNDP and WFP stablecoin payment trials to test faster, cheaper, more transparent humanitarian transfers—building on earlier pilots that included work in Syria. Regional pressure on Syria: Reports say Israel carried out land and air movements in southern Syria, including drones and reconnaissance flights across Quneitra and Daraa, amid ongoing incursions near contact lines.

AI & Truth in Conflict: Google Earth’s new AI image generation feature can blend prompts into real satellite views, raising alarms about fake “ground truth” during wars and misinformation surges. UN Diplomacy & Civilians: Tunisia urged an end to violence and “genocide” in Gaza and called for peace across Syria and the region at UNGA. Syria’s Volcanic Watch: Syria’s geology agency is studying steam, ground subsidence and cracks at the Sharat Kovakab volcanic field near Hasakah, saying more field measurements are needed. Water, Energy & Navigation: Saudi and Bahrain both pushed for freedom of navigation through Hormuz and other key waterways, rejecting fees or restrictions that could disrupt trade and regional stability. Humanitarian Tech Payments: Circle Foundation backed UNDP and WFP stablecoin payment trials to speed, lower-cost and improve transparency of aid delivery. Livelihoods in NW Syria: Qatar Charity launched a $1mn+ training project for 540 people in Aleppo, Idlib, Jisr al-Shughur and Al-Amal, including solar and digital skills. Local Industry & Recovery: A Syrian official said Turkish investors are expected to help rebuild energy and transport networks and expand industrial zones.

UNGA Climate & Diplomacy: Türkiye’s FM Hakan Fidan says Ankara pushed dialogue over conflict and diplomacy over crisis at UN General Assembly, highlighting climate action and a “just transition” alongside the Palestine focus. Humanitarian Tech for Syria: Circle Foundation backs UNDP and WFP digital-payment trials using regulated stablecoins, aiming to make aid faster, cheaper, and more transparent—work that has included Syria before. Water & Trade Security: Saudi Arabia and Kuwait used UNGA to demand freedom of navigation through Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, rejecting fees or restrictions that could disrupt energy and trade routes tied to regional stability. Syria Environment Watch: Syria’s geology agency is studying unusual steam, ground subsidence, and cracks at a volcanic field near Hasakah, saying current data can’t yet confirm renewed volcanic activity. Wildlife Migration: Satellite-tracked storks from Türkiye reached Egypt and one arrived in Syria, feeding into a multi-agency project mapping migration routes. Jobs & Solar Skills in NW Syria: Qatar Charity launched a $1mn program training 540 people in Aleppo, Idlib, Jisr al-Shughur and Al-Amal City, including solar system installation and maintenance.