Popeye and Tintin will be free for all in 2025!

Syria has undergone significant changes in its political landscape following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad after over 13 years of civil war. On December 18, 2024, UN special envoy Geir Pedersen called for the establishment of free and fair elections in the country, expressing hope for a political solution particularly for the Kurdish-held regions in the north-east. The ongoing conflict left the country heavily dependent on aid and fragmented, instilling a call for justice and peace among the Syrian people. Amid the political transition, Mr. Pedersen emphasized the need for a new constitution that reflects the aspirations of all Syrians. A major point of concern remains the situation in the Kurdish-held areas, which are controlled by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The relationship between these Kurdish forces and Turkey remains tense, as Turkish authorities accuse the SDF's main faction, the People’s Protection Units, of links to the PKK, identified as a terrorist group by both Turkey and the United States. Recent developments indicated a fragile ceasefire in the town of Manbij, renewed by the US on December 17. The aim is to achieve a broader diplomatic consensus with Turkey to stabilize the situation in these contentious regions. The new military and political environment has also seen voices from the HTS, an Islamist group, which stated its intention to integrate Kurdish areas under new leadership. This declaration raises concerns regarding the future governance of these regions and the potential rejection of federalism, thereby threatening the fragile peace the international community hopes to achieve. The conflict in Syria has left a devastating toll, with reports indicating that more than 100,000 individuals have lost their lives or suffered as a result of detention since the civil unrest began in 2011. The collective trauma and need for accountability continue to loom large over the country as citizens seek closure, justice, and a political resolution conducive to long-term peace.