Syria-US Relations: The Trump administration has formally started the process to remove Syria from the U.S. State Sponsors of Terrorism list, after assurances from President Ahmed al-Sharaa that Syria will not support international terrorism. Damascus Security Reality: A report on Syrians in the capital says confidence is high, but trust in official information is low, with recent bombings and a quiet parliament opening underscoring unresolved security tensions. Syria’s New Institutions: Syria’s Ministry of Defense announced a National University for Defense Sciences to merge military training with engineering, applied sciences, management, and strategic studies, alongside a separate university for security sciences. Politics & Representation: A podcast discussion from inside Syria highlights hopes and doubts around the new parliament, including concerns about how members were selected and what it means for Kurdish and other minority communities. PYD & Demography: ARK News claims the PYD has legalized the “Arab Belt” by buying land from Arab settlers, raising fresh alarms about demographic change in Syrian Kurdistan. Culture & Community: The Asia+ Festival 2026 (theme: “Traditions Recast”) will run Sept–Nov with 30+ countries and 100+ performances, blending traditional and contemporary arts. Women’s Rights in the Region: The OIC’s 9th women’s conference in Islamabad produced the “Islamabad Declaration,” calling out restrictions on Afghan girls’ education and women’s employment.