Syria Accountability: A Damascus court sentenced ousted President Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia for crimes against humanity, including murder, torture and arbitrary detention—raising fresh questions about whether Russia will hand him over. Lebanon Justice & Law: Lebanon abolished the death penalty, replacing it with life imprisonment and hard labor, a major shift in the region’s legal landscape. Cultural Life in Exile: A Damascus-born singer-songwriter, Anour, released her debut album in Montreal, blending cinematic pop with philosophical themes and sparking online debate about her identity. Arts & Community: Lebanon’s creative sector says Gulf clients are cutting budgets and delaying payments as the regional war squeezes opportunities. Heritage & Museums: Syrian artifacts returned from France are set to go on display in the Damascus Citadel. Education & Tech: Educators are adjusting lesson planning as AI policies spread, pushing more focus on teaching design and student interaction. Culture Beyond Syria: DokuFest marked 25 years in Prizren with a “Persistent Defiance” theme, while New York Magazine’s “Habibi City” spotlighted rising Arab and Muslim cultural influence in NYC.