Despite the propaganda about economic recovery & improved security in Syria, the reality is quite different… and harsh. 🇸🇾 Contrary to the projected return of more than one million citizens by 2025, the flow of returnees has not only slowed in 2026 but has actually reversed, so that the number of Syrians leaving the country is once again greater than the number who left earlier. Furthermore, all religious and ethnic groups are represented among the new exiles, dispelling any notion that minorities are fleeing the country en masse. Even the Sunnis—who have formed Jolani’s support base—are being forced to flee the country due to the poor performance of the new authorities in Damascus in their economic and social policies, their inability to manage the regional and internal crisis, and despite international support and the lifting of sanctions. Nor are these images encouraging for Lebanon, which is embroiled in a war of occupation by Israel; a new wave of refugees could bring even greater instability to them.