Charles Lister | Lightnews

Light up
your news

Create account Sign in

About Privacy Terms Help

Charles Lister

Charles Lister

Political science 41%

Sociology 20%

more

Data Update (October 14-28, 2025)

Vigilantism accounts for 36% of all deaths over two weeks, with ISIS responsible for 22%. Violence remains far below 2025 average, but rose slightly compared to recent weeks. The overall level of violence increased slightly across Syria over the past two weeks, with 34 deaths confirmed between October 14-21 and 38 deaths confirmed between October 21-28. Across the two weeks, a total of 13 of the 72 (or 18%) deaths were attributed to incidents of unexploded ordnance (UXO) — leaving a total of 59 non-UXO deaths over 14 days.

Syria Weekly: October 21-28

Sharaa meets Greek Orthodox Patriarch; Gov’t-SDF tensions calm in Aleppo; elections in Tel Abyad & Ras al-Ayn; al-Hol returns to Syria, Iraq & South Africa; 12.5 million captagon pills seized & more. Sharaa meets Greek Orthodox Patriarch; Gov’t-SDF tensions calm in Aleppo; elections in Tel Abyad & Ras al-Ayn; al-Hol returns to Syria, Iraq & South Africa; 12.5 million captagon pills seized & more.

Syria Weekly: October 14-21

President Sharaa travels to Moscow & finance ministers to Washington DC; US facilitates more Damascus-SDF talks; election process begins in Tel Abyad & Ras al-Ayn; Israel & ISIS escalate; & more. President Sharaa travels to Moscow & finance ministers to Washington DC; US facilitates more Damascus-SDF talks; election process begins in Tel Abyad & Ras al-Ayn; Israel & ISIS escalate; & more.

Sources -- A Joint US-Syria Raid Gone Wrong

«The following report is the result of communications with 4 well-placed Syrian sources speaking anonymously on a subject of significant sensitivity. More details will likely come to light in due course.»

Data Update (October 7-14, 2025)

Violence in Syria remains on a downward trajectory, with Hama, Homs and Daraa the most unstable & ISIS a persistent threat. Meanwhile,UXO incidence is declining & captagon seizures spike. Violence levels across Syria last week remained under the average seen over the prior 3 months — with a total of 31 deaths confirmed nationwide, just 1 (3%) of which was caused by unexploded ordnance (UXO). While this week’s 31 deaths may mark a rise compared to the week prior (when a record low of 22 deaths were recorded), only 4 weeks of the 44 that have passed since Assad’s fall have seen less than 31 deaths. Syria therefore appears to remain on a gradual decline in the average levels of violence.

Syria Weekly: October 7-14

With US intervention, Damascus-SDF talks restart & move forward; Syria-Lebanon talks on prisoners advance; OPCW shifts to "accelerated destruction;" US Senate passes repeal of Caesar Act; & more. With US intervention, Damascus-SDF talks restart & move forward; Syria-Lebanon talks on prisoners advance; OPCW shifts to "accelerated destruction;" US Senate passes repeal of Caesar Act; & more.

Data Update (September 30-October 7, 2025)

Violence drops to lowest level ever recorded; Hama & Homs remain center of vigilantism; US mediation intervenes amid SDF-Damascus hostilities; & more. The overall level of violence in Syria dropped last week to the lowest level ever recorded, 10 months into the post-Assad transition. Over the 7-day period, a total of 22 deaths were recorded, 1 of which was caused by unexploded ordnance (UXO).

Reposts 0 Oct 9

Syria Weekly: September 30-October 7

Parliamentary elections empower political middle-ground; SDF hostilities spiral in Aleppo amid surge in US mediation; French investors in Damascus; Syria-Russia military diplomacy ramps up; & more. Parliamentary elections empower political middle-ground; SDF hostilities spiral in Aleppo amid surge in US mediation; French investors in Damascus; Syria-Russia military diplomacy ramps up; & more.

Reposts 0 Oct 7

Syria's Parliament Takes Shape: 2/3 seats confirmed

Men dominate, but Syrian politics turns to the center ground, as Kurds, Alawites, Christians, Ismailis & Turkmen also secure seats. Syria’s indirect parliamentary elections took place on Sunday October 5, as electoral colleges containing approximately 6,000 members voted in a total of 119 parliamentarians representing 49 electoral districts nationwide. The 119 winning candidates were themselves members of the electoral colleges, which were selected through applications, local engagements and petitioning and consultation with the 11-member (9 men, 2 women) Supreme Committee, which was established on June 13 and is made up of noted political figures from Aleppo, Damascus, Tartus, Hasakeh, Hama, Homs, Rif Dimashq and Idlib.

Reposts 0 Oct 6

Data Update (September 23-30, 2025)

ISIS' deadliest week of 2025 pushes violence up in Syria; but more broadly, violence remains at record lows. Meanwhile, SDF-Damascus violence & Suwayda drug trafficking persists. The overall level of violence in Syria rose last week, with a total of 41 deaths recorded — up from just 28 and 23 the previous two weeks. This marked rise in violent deaths was attributable to a very significant intensification of deadly ISIS attacks, 14 of which were confirmed last week, leaving a total of 14 people dead (compared to the average of 7 ISIS attacks and 3 deaths per week since January).

Reposts 0 Oct 2

Syria Weekly: September 23-29, 2025

Syria at the heart of UNGA in New York -- 36 diplomatic engagements & an UNGA address; Idlib raises $208 million; parliamentary elections move forward; ISIS escalates attacks in SDF areas; & more. Syria at the heart of UNGA in New York -- 36 diplomatic engagements & an UNGA address; Idlib raises $208 million; parliamentary elections move forward; ISIS escalates attacks in SDF areas; & more.

Reposts 0 Sep 30

Data Update (September 16-23, 2025)

Violence across Syria remained at all-time low levels last week, with a total of 28 deaths nationwide, 5 (18%) of which were caused by unexploded ordnance (UXO). That means that the last month has seen an average of 24 non-UXO deaths per week, which is

Reposts 0 Sep 24

Syria Weekly: September 16-23, 2025

President al-Sharaa in New York for UNGA as 1st Syrian president since 1967; Foreign Minister visits Washington DC & raises flag at Embassy; Syrian-Israeli negotiations near security agreement; & more President al-Sharaa in New York for UNGA as 1st Syrian president since 1967; Foreign Minister visits Washington DC & raises flag at Embassy; Syrian-Israeli negotiations near security agreement; & more

Reposts 0 Sep 23

Data Update (September 9-16, 2025)

Violence drops significantly, reaching lowest level ever; Syria's Coast calms, but ISIS attacks persist (& spread to Daraa) & tensions in SDF-held northeast continue. Violence across Syria declined significantly to a record low level last week, with a total of 23 deaths confirmed across all 14 governorates over 7 days. That number is 20% lower than the previous low of 29 deaths that were recorded in the week of August 26-September 2. Of the 23 deaths confirmed last week, 4 (or 17%) were caused by exploded ordnance (UXO).

Reposts 0 Sep 18

Syria Weekly: September 9-16, 2025

US-Jordan talks achieve Suwayda roadmap; US CENTCOM Commander makes inaugural visit to Damascus; 14,000 candidates file for electoral bodies; Lebanon diplomacy moves; ISIS attacks in Daraa; & more. US-Jordan talks achieve Suwayda roadmap; US CENTCOM Commander makes inaugural visit to Damascus; 14,000 candidates file for electoral bodies; Lebanon diplomacy moves; ISIS attacks in Daraa; & more.

Reposts 0 Sep 16

Data Update (August 26-September 9, 2025)

The past two weeks were Syria’s least deadly since Assad’s fall 9 months ago — both in terms of overall deaths from all causes (69 deaths confirmed) and in terms of direct, kinetic violence not attributable to unexploded ordinance (54 deaths confirmed). The week of August 26-September 2 recorded an especially low rate of violence, with just 29 deaths reported, 7 (or 24%) of which were caused by UXO. Until then, the least violent week of all had come in August 5-12, when 36 deaths were confirmed — 10 (28%) caused by UXO.

Reposts 0 Sep 11

FREE: Syria Weekly: September 2-9, 2025

Syria Development Fund launches; Saudi invests $1.4bn in development projects; UAE investors visit; French CMA CGM begins Latakia Port development; Baniyas refinery begins upgrades; & more. Syria Development Fund launches; Saudi invests $1.4bn in development projects; UAE investors visit; French CMA CGM begins Latakia Port development; Baniyas refinery begins upgrades; & more.

Reposts 0 Sep 9

Syria Weekly: August 26-September 2, 2025

Syria's 1st oil export; Nokia & Samsung return; Damascus International Fair relaunches amid more Saudi investment deals; Sharaa travels to Hama, Homs & Idlib; & major Israel strikes hit near Damascus. Syria's 1st oil export; Nokia & Samsung return; Damascus International Fair relaunches amid more Saudi investment deals; Sharaa travels to Hama, Homs & Idlib; & major Israel strikes hit near Damascus.

Reposts 0 Sep 4

Data Update (August 19-26, 2025)

Kinetic violence drops to near-record level; but the UXO threat persists & vigilantism accounts for 66% of all non-UXO deaths. Meanwhile, ISIS is on track for most aggressive month of 2025. While the overall level of violent deaths remained almost the same this past week compared to the last, the proportion of violence attributed to unexploded ordinance (UXO) rose significantly — with 10 of 40 (25%) deaths caused by UXOs.

Reposts 0 Aug 28

Syria Weekly: August 19-26, 2025

US sanctions end amid Congressional visit to Damascus; Parliamentary election prep moves forward; Suwayda aid effort increases; Israeli military re-escalates; Daraa launches fundraising effort; & more US sanctions end amid Congressional visit to Damascus; Parliamentary election prep moves forward; Suwayda aid effort increases; Israeli military re-escalates; Daraa launches fundraising effort; & more

Reposts 0 Aug 26

Data Update (August 12-19, 2025)

Vigilante violence accounts for 64% of all deaths. Meanwhile, ISIS attacks persist, the anti-gov't insurgency re-emergence continues & Suwayda-Daraa violence underlines need for a real solution. The overall level of violence rose over the past week, with a total of 41 deaths confirmed — 2 (or 5%) of which were caused by unexploded ordinance (UXO). While this level of violence is more or less on par with the average witnessed over recent months (with the exception of the explosive violence in Suwayda in mid-July), it does mark a considerable increase in non-UXO violence compared to the week prior, when 36 deaths were confirmed, 10 of which were the result of UXO incidents.

Reposts 0 Aug 21

Syria Weekly: August 12-19, 2025

Negotiations on Suwayda & NE Syria continue; Damascus-Orthodox Church dialogue breakthrough; Turkish military accord signed; Suwayda aid mechanism talks intensify; Saudi investment pact & more. Negotiations on Suwayda & NE Syria continue; Damascus-Orthodox Church dialogue breakthrough; Turkish military accord signed; Suwayda aid mechanism talks intensify; Saudi investment pact & more.

Reposts 0 Aug 19

Data Update (July 29-August 12, 2025)

Least violent week since Assad's fall; but continuing tensions see the anti-gov't insurgency re-emerge; ISIS attacks surge; and UXO incidents rise. The overall level of violence across Syria declined this past week to the lowest level recorded since Assad’s fall 8 months ago — with a total of 36 deaths recorded nationwide, 10 (28%) of which were attributed to unexploded ordinance (UXO). Until now, the least violent week of 2025 had been June 24-July 1, when a total of 39 deaths were confirmed, 7 (18%) of which were caused in UXO incidents.

Reposts 0 Aug 14

Syria Weekly: July 29-August 12, 2025

ISIS attacks & Israeli ground incursions surge; the anti-government insurgency re-emerges after months of quiet; & tensions with the SDF & Suwayda rise. ISIS attacks & Israeli ground incursions surge; the anti-government insurgency re-emerges after months of quiet; & tensions with the SDF & Suwayda rise.

Reposts 0 Aug 12

Weekly Data Update (July 22-29, 2025)

Violence returns to average levels, with vigilantism responsible for 49% of all deaths. Meanwhile, ISIS attacks increased sharply & Israeli strikes ended. With an internationally-mediated ceasefire in place in Suwayda, the overall level of violence across Syria returned to average levels this past week — with 46 deaths confirmed in violent incidents, including 5 (11%) from unexploded ordinance (UXO). Excepting the recent surge in hostilities in Suwayda,

Reposts 0 Jul 31

Syria Weekly: July 22-29, 2025

$6.4bn of Saudi investments; Syria-Israel talks in Paris; SARC leads aid response to Suwayda; parliamentary elections set for Sept 15-20; Azerbaijan gas to begin Aug 1; ISIS surges attacks; & more. $6.4bn of Saudi investments; Syria-Israel talks in Paris; SARC leads aid response to Suwayda; parliamentary elections set for Sept 15-20; Azerbaijan gas to begin Aug 1; ISIS surges attacks; & more.

Reposts 0 Jul 29

Weekly Data Update (July 15-22, 2025)

The overall level of violence exploded in Syria over the past week, with at least 504 deaths confirmed between July 15-22 — 486 (96%) of which were attributed to major hostilities and violence in the Druze-majority governorate of Suwayda. On top of the additional 118 deaths confirmed in Suwayda between July 12-14, that made for a total of at least 604 people killed in Suwayda’s 7-day conflict (July 12-19).

Reposts 0 Jul 24

Syria Weekly: July 15-22, 2025

Suwayda violence leaves 100s dead, as Israel hits Damascus, Druze militia take control & Bedouins flee; + diplomatic & economic engagements in Damascus surge; Coastal investigation concludes & more. Suwayda violence leaves 100s dead, as Israel hits Damascus, Druze militia take control & Bedouins flee; + diplomatic & economic engagements in Damascus surge; Coastal investigation concludes & more.

Reposts 0 Jul 22

Weekly Data Update (July 8-15, 2025)

Suwayda hostilities see Syria's overall violence level surge; More broadly however, violence remains at all-time lows -- making unresolved territorial issues vitally important challenges. The overall level of violence increased dramatically this past week, with a total of 167 violent deaths confirmed over a 7-day period, 14 of which (8%) were caused by unexploded ordinance (UXO). The huge spike in violence was attributable to the eruption of large-scale hostilities in the Druze-majority governorate of Suwayda — where 118 deaths were confirmed in fighting that began on July 12 and ran through to the end of the week’s recording period on July 15. That means Suwayda’s violence accounted for 77% of all non-UXO deaths in Syria.

Reposts 0 Jul 17

Syria Weekly: July 8-15, 2025

Suwayda's status comes to a head; SDF talks breakdown; Azerbaijan visit promises gas supply; DP World signs $800 million contract for Tartus Port; wildfires under control; & more. Suwayda's status comes to a head; SDF talks breakdown; Azerbaijan visit promises gas supply; DP World signs $800 million contract for Tartus Port; wildfires under control; & more.

Reposts 0 Jul 15