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Syria at a Turning Point: Integration, Stability, and State Authority
Saturday, 21 February, 2026
Since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, Damascus has rapidly emerged as an internationally recognized actor. By providing internal security and through high-level diplomatic engagements, the Al-Sharaa government has marked Syria’s return to the international arena. At the same time, stability at home has remained fragile, with unresolved challenges related to territorial integrity, sovereignty, security, governance, and post-conflict integration. Domestic disturbances were contained and agreements were reached in a relatively short amount of time, strengthening hopes of lasting stability.Most recently, a ceasefire and a comprehensive “Ceasefire and Full Integration Agreement” between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) has been reached. The agreement provides a framework for restoring state authority, including the phased transfer of territories under YPG/SDF control to Syrian state institutions, integration of military and administrative structures, dismantling of parallel governance arrangements, and measures addressing civilian rights as well as return of displaced populations. In this timely panel discussion, leading experts examine the implications of this agreement, the prospects for successful integration, and the broader processes of political reconstruction and state consolidation in Syria.Speakers James Jeffrey, Distinguished Fellow, The Washington Institute for Near East PolicyCharles Lister, Senior Fellow and Director of the Syria Initiative, Middle East Institute Mona Yacoubian, Director and Senior Adviser, Middle East Program, Center for Strategic and International StudiesKadir Ustun, Executive Director, The SETA Foundation at Washington DCModeratorKilic Bugra Kanat, Research Director, The SETA Foundation at Washington DC
