Anti-Drone Procurement: The U.S. Army is asking industry for a cheaper next-generation anti-drone missile that can launch from existing Raytheon Coyote systems, aiming to detect, track, identify, and defeat drones using radar, jamming, and other methods. Cybersecurity in the Region: Kaspersky reports two new Windows backdoors, OctLurk and SilkLurk, used in cyber-espionage against government and public institutions, including targets in Syria, with victim-specific loaders and in-memory control. ISIS Tech Adaptation: The UN warns ISIS remains a serious threat, adapting through dispersed affiliates and exploiting fragile conflict zones; it also flags growing use of commercial drone tech. Syria Energy Realignment: Reuters says Syria agreed to sharply reduce Russian oil imports as U.S. talks near sanctions relief, though Russia still retains key military access at Tartus and Hmeimim. Syria’s Health Training Strain: A report highlights how conflict and equipment shortages are disrupting ophthalmology residency training in Syria, with major gaps in specialist care. Digital Payments for Syrians: UAE-based Syrians launched “My Syria,” a tourism and payments super app, aiming to make travel and transactions smoother. Religious Freedom Pressure: A new report argues the global religious freedom movement is at a crossroads as instability rises and support declines.