In a concrete move, the new Syrian state has launched a global search for billions in cash and assets looted over the years by Bashar al-Assad’s family.

After the fall of al-Assad’s regime, Germany—Europe’s leading economic power—emerged as a key supporter of rebuilding a new Syria by taking gradual steps to boost its economy and improve living conditions for its people.

Marking a new phase of economic openness, Syria signed a partnership deal with a French company to operate the Latakia Port container terminal, in the presence of President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Syria’s Shia community is seeking to preserve positive relations with the new state leadership following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, after years of drawing closer to Iran both religiously and militarily.

The U.S. sanctions, which are the most comprehensive against Syria, remain the biggest obstacle to seeing a recovery in the transitional period and improving the livelihoods of Syrians.