Al-Sharaa’s very busy week: Israel talks, Kurdish deal and Syria’s economic reopening

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has spent the past week accelerating a series of moves that could reshape both Syria’s internal power structure and its regional relationships, from reported contacts with Israel to a sweeping plan to absorb Kurdish forces into the national military. The week began with a reported face-to-face meeting in Amman between Mossad chief Roman Gofman and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani. The substance of the meeting has not been disclosed, but the fact that it took place at all is notable, as is Jordan’s reported role as host. Amman has long maintained quiet security coordination with Israel while keeping its political dealings highly discreet. Attention then shifted to Washington, where President Donald Trump announced the removal of remaining restrictions on economic cooperation with Syria. The decision potentially opens the door for American companies, as well as European firms with ties to the U.S.