In a significant development, a US Congressman has visited Syria for the first time since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. Republican Congressman Cory Mills met with Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus on April 19, 2025, signaling a potential shift in US-Syria relations. Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani was also present at the meeting. The details and objectives of the visit remain a focal point of speculation and anticipation.
Amidst these political developments, the UNHCR reports substantial returns of Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). As of April 17, 2025, approximately 437,226 Syrians have returned from neighboring countries since December 8, 2024. An additional 1.05 million IDPs have returned to their homes. The returns are facilitated by UNHCR, which recently organized a convoy to support the return of 84 displaced Syrians from Areesha IDP camp to Deir-ez-Zor on April 15, 2025.
However, the situation remains fragile. Hostilities in several governorates have displaced 33,928 people into northern Lebanon. Furthermore, the Turkish Minister of Interior reported that 175,512 Syrians have voluntarily returned from Turkey to Syria between December 9, 2024, and April 13, 2025, highlighting the continued movement of people.
In other news, President Ahmed al-Sharaa has extended the deadline for the fact-finding committee investigating the Alawite killings by three months, indicating the transitional government’s commitment to addressing past grievances. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam recently visited Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to discuss critical issues such as border security, refugees, and past political killings under the Assad regime, aiming to reset relations between the two nations.
Despite ongoing challenges, there are signs of progress in other areas. Damascus University has advanced 240 positions in the US ranking of universities by UniRanks, reflecting potential improvements in the education sector.
The transitional government continues to face significant obstacles in rebuilding and uniting the country, including sectarian violence and the integration of armed groups. The recent developments, including US engagement and refugee returns, present both opportunities and challenges for Syria’s path to stability.