Syria’s Transitional Tech & Governance: Syria’s transitional parliament held its first session, with a 210-member People’s Assembly tasked with drafting a new constitution and rebuilding institutions after the Assad era, while analysts say the real test is whether it can function effectively during a fragile transition. Education & Extremism: A report says a Syrian government-funded school network uses official textbooks to demonize Jews and Christians, delegitimize Israel, and encourage jihad against “infidels,” raising concerns as Syria seeks a more moderate image abroad. Legislative Leadership: Abdul Hamid al-Awak was elected speaker, placing a constitutional lawyer at the helm of the first post-Assad legislature and spotlighting debates over executive limits and judicial independence. Diplomacy & Capacity Building: Syria and Qatar signed an agreement to expand diplomatic cooperation, including training and expertise exchange tied to reconstruction and humanitarian response. Cultural Heritage: France returned 23 Syrian antiquities after about 15 years, including pieces linked to the Umayyad Mosque, in a symbolic reset following Macron’s Damascus visit. Security & Illicit Trade: Jordanian reporting highlights how drug smuggling from southern Syria continues to evolve, including balloon-based methods, and raises the key question of who receives and coordinates the shipments.