# Syrian political transition and diplomatic reintegration > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/syrian-political-transition-and-diplomatic-reintegration > Updated: 2026-09-23T02:05:00.000Z. Sources: 59. Developments: 6. Following a rapid 11-day campaign that collapsed the previous Syrian regime, President Ahmad al-Sharaa has overseen a significant shift in international relations. This transition has facilitated a pivot by Western powers, specifically the United States, away from previous designations of Sunni militant groups. Notable diplomatic changes include the removal of terrorism designations for figures such as Abu Mohammad al-Golani and the lifting of various sanctions that had been in place since 1979, including the permanent repeal of the US Caesar Act in December 2025. During the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2026, President al-Sharaa emphasized Syria’s transition into a phase of recovery and reconstruction. He reported that approximately 3.5 million migrants and displaced persons have returned to the country. Domestic progress includes the activation of over 3,000 new production lines, plans for 2 million new homes, and the official recognition of the Kurdish language via Decree No. 13. Diplomatic reintegration has accelerated, with Damascus now hosting approximately sixty diplomatic missions and Syria rejoining the international coalition to defeat ISIS. Foreign Minister Assad al-Shaibani conducted extensive meetings in New York with representatives from Russia, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and a US special envoy. Regarding regional security, al-Sharaa asserted that the Golan Heights is Syrian land under UN Security Council Resolution 497, calling for Israeli withdrawal to the lines held on December 8, 2024. He noted that US-mediated contacts with Israel had previously neared a “90 percent agreement” before Israel retreated. Additionally, the Russian military presence has been reduced to two sites focused on training and capacity-building. Al-Sharaa further accused Israel of undermining regional stability through approximately 500 air and artillery strikes, 1,200 incursions, and 300 detentions of Syrians. ## Claims - Israel has conducted approximately 500 air and artillery attacks against Syria. (disputed by 12 sources) - Ahmed al-Sharaa asserted that the Golan Heights remain Syrian territory and all annexation attempts are invalid under UN Security Council Resolution 497. (corroborated by 20 sources) - Negotiations with Israel had previously reached nearly 90 percent agreement on outstanding issues. (corroborated by 11 sources) - Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa stated that the country is in a phase of recovery and rising after the fall of the previous regime. (corroborated by 8 sources) - Over 3.5 million refugees and displaced persons have returned to Syria. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Al-Sharaa called for Israeli forces to withdraw to the positions held on December 8, 2024. (corroborated by 7 sources) - An agreement was reached to reduce the Russian military presence in Syria to two training and capacity-building sites. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Syria has requested that Israel withdraw to the 1974 separation lines before discussing security arrangements. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Syria does not require foreign military bases for the foreseeable future. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-23: Ahmad al-Sharaa addresses foreign military presence in Syria President Ahmad al-Sharaa stated in New York that any foreign military presence in Syria must have a legal framework approved by the People's Assembly, as the country seeks to reorganize Russian military sites. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ahmad-al-sharaa-addresses-foreign-military-presence-in-syria ### 2026-09-23: Syria's al-Sharaa claims Golan Heights and addresses UN on recovery Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa addressed the UN, claiming the Golan Heights as Syrian territory and stating that direct negotiations with Israel had reached 90 percent agreement before stalling. 48 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/syrian-president-ahmed-al-sharaa-asserts-sovereignty-over-golan-heights ### 2026-09-22: Middle East leaders address security and economy at UN General Assembly At the UN General Assembly in New York, Syrian President al-Sharaa discussed security and sovereignty, Saudi officials advocated for Palestinian statehood, and the GCC highlighted its economic strength. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/middle-east-leaders-address-security-and-economy-at-un-general-assembly ### 2026-09-22: Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa attends UN General Assembly in New York Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Assad al-Shaibani are conducting high-level diplomatic meetings at the UN General Assembly in New York, marking a period of renewed international engagement 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ahmad-al-sharaa-arrives-in-new-york-for-un-general-assembly ### 2026-09-15: Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa to attend Arab Media Summit and UN General Assembly Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa will attend the Arab Media Summit in Dubai and the UN General Assembly in New York to discuss reconstruction, regional stability, and Syrian-US relations. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/syrian-president-ahmad-al-sharaa-to-attend-arab-media-summit-and-un-general-assembly ### 2026-09-06: Syria's Ahmad al-Sharaa facilitates shift in Western diplomatic approach Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has overseen a shift in Western policy, including the lifting of long-standing sanctions and a change in how the international community engages with Sunni political actors. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/syrias-ahmad-al-sharaa-facilitates-shift-in-western-diplomatic-approach --- Cite as: Syrian political transition and diplomatic reintegration. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/syrian-political-transition-and-diplomatic-reintegration