Mohammad Ismail: The Time of War Has Passed — Political Solutions Must Prevail
ARK News.. The Secretary of the Kurdistan Democratic Party–Syria and President of the Kurdish National Council in Syria, Mohammad Ismail, shed light on the latest regional and international political developments, recent updates on the Kurdish and Syrian scenes, and the future of the Kurdish cause in Syria. He also reviewed key political meetings recently conducted by the leadership of the Kurdish National Council.
On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, the Kurdistan Democratic Party – Syria held a public political seminar at the Derik Tourist Resort in the city of Derik. The session was led by Mohammad Ismail in his capacity as party secretary and President of the Kurdish National Council in Syria, and was attended by a large audience representing various components of the region, political parties, civil society organizations, and media outlets.
During the seminar, Ismail addressed the latest regional and international political developments, the evolving situation on the Kurdish and Syrian fronts, and prospects for the Kurdish issue in Syria.
He also reviewed recent political engagements undertaken by the Council’s leadership, including a meeting with Syria’s transitional Prime Minister Ahmad al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, describing the discussions as positive and unprecedented.
The President of the Kurdish National Council emphasized that Presidential Decree No. (13) represents an initial positive step and the beginning of political relief toward securing the national rights of the Kurdish people in a new Syria.
Ismail also referred to a meeting with Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, who affirmed the political rights of the Kurdish people and stressed the importance of establishing a roadmap for reconstruction across Syria, particularly in Kurdish regions.
He praised the diplomatic efforts of President Masoud Barzani in protecting the Kurdish people and expressed gratitude to the Barzani Charity Foundation for its support to displaced families from Afrin and Sere Kaniye.
Ismail further addressed ongoing efforts to establish an inclusive Kurdish reference framework, affirming the party’s support for this initiative on sound foundations to strengthen Kurdish unity and activate dialogue among political forces in a manner that fulfills the aspirations of the Kurdish people and promotes coexistence while rejecting hate speech.
The seminar concluded with an open discussion session, where attendees contributed valuable interventions. Ismail responded transparently to their questions, underscoring that the time of war has passed and that political solutions must take precedence, with political forces carrying forward the torch of struggle.
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Marco Rubio to Brief Congress on Iran in Closed Session
ARK News.. Marco Rubio is set to brief congressional leaders on the Iran file during a closed-door session ahead of the State of the Union address on Tuesday, according to a US media source citing an American official.
According to ABC News, the confidential session comes amid heightened tensions with Iran and ongoing nuclear negotiations, as Donald Trump prepares to deliver his State of the Union address before United States Congress. The speech will mark his sixth address to the legislative body and the second of his second term.
The address is expected to be delivered against a backdrop of deep domestic political divisions and significant foreign policy challenges facing the United States.
US outlets report that the State of the Union is officially scheduled for Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET), corresponding to 3:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Mecca time.
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Human Rights Watch: Fate of Thousands in Syrian Camps Remains Unknown
ARK News.. Human Rights Watch has warned that the fate of around 8,500 detainees remains unknown following the closure of Al-Hol Camp and the announcement of the imminent closure of Roj Camp in northeast Syria. The organization noted that large numbers of detainees have left in an uncoordinated manner, renewing its call for the repatriation of foreign nationals and guarantees for their protection.
According to Human Rights Watch, al-Hol and Roj camps were housing approximately 28,000 people as of mid-January, including more than 12,000 foreign nationals from over 60 countries, in addition to thousands of Iraqis. The group emphasized that most of the women and children had not been charged with criminal offenses.
The organization quoted Adam Coogle, Deputy Director of its Middle East division, as saying that some governments can no longer justify inaction by citing difficulties in negotiating with a non-state actor, stressing that seven years is far too long to delay repatriating their nationals.
Human Rights Watch further warned that unregulated departures have exposed women and children to risks including trafficking, exploitation, and recruitment. It called for ensuring protection, access to healthcare, and psychosocial support, as well as fair legal procedures for anyone accused of committing crimes.
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Masrour Barzani Inaugurates Erbil–Gomaspan Dual Carriageway
ARK News.. The Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, Masrour Barzani, on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, inaugurated the Erbil–Gomaspan dual carriageway project.
In remarks following the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Barzani praised the exceptional efforts of the executing company, Hemin Group, for completing what he described as a major strategic project in record time and in accordance with high-level international engineering and construction standards, placing it at the service of the people of Kurdistan.
He explained that prior to the project’s implementation, the road had been hazardous for motorists. Today, thanks to its modern and safe design, the route allows citizens to reach their destinations more quickly while also facilitating smoother access for residents of surrounding areas to the capital, Erbil, for work and daily affairs.
The Prime Minister added: “We take great pride in having companies in the Kurdistan Region capable of delivering major projects at such a high standard. God willing, we will see many more successful models like this.”
He concluded by urging citizens and drivers to strictly adhere to traffic laws and regulations and to avoid excessive speeding, in order to safeguard their own lives and the safety of others.
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Syrian Government Announces Closure of Al-Hol Camp After Final Evacuations
ARK News.. The Syrian government has announced the closure of Al-Hol camp in Hasaka province after completing the evacuation of its final residents. For years, the camp had housed families of suspected ISIS fighters alongside civilians displaced by battles against the group.
According to France Press Agency, al-Hol camp director Fadi al-Qassim said, “The camp was closed today,” Sunday, February 22, 2026, after all Syrian and non-Syrian families were transferred.
Al-Qassim stated that the government has put in place development and reintegration plans for the families away from media attention, stressing that “the women and children from the camp need support in order to be reintegrated.”
A source from a humanitarian organization previously operating inside the camp told AFP: “We evacuated all our teams from inside the camp, dismantled all our equipment and prefabricated rooms, and moved them outside.”
At its peak, al-Hol Camp housed around 24,000 people, including approximately 15,000 Syrians and nearly 6,300 foreign women and children from 42 nationalities, many of whose home countries have refused to repatriate them. However, those numbers declined significantly in recent weeks.
Last week, the United States announced it had completed the transfer of more than 5,700 detainees suspected of affiliation with ISIS from Syria to Iraq.
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EU: Ceasefire in Syria Remains “Fragile”
ARK News.. The European Union’s foreign policy chief has stated that the ceasefire in Syria remains “fragile,” stressing the need for Syrian parties to work together toward forming an inclusive government that excludes no one.
Kaja Kallas said the ceasefire agreement concluded between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the central government in Damascus lacks sufficient strength. “What we are looking for is for Syrian forces to work together to establish an inclusive government and achieve genuine national reconciliation,” she said.
Kallas added that the European Union supports this process with all available means, revealing that internal discussions are ongoing within the bloc regarding whether the timing is appropriate to elevate the level of bilateral engagement with Syria to address concerns and outstanding issues.
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Rebar Ahmed: ISIS Has Become More Active in Iraq and Syria
ARK News.. The Interior Minister of the Kurdistan Region has highlighted pressing security challenges facing the region, warning that ISIS has recently increased its activity across various parts of Iraq and Syria.
Speaking at a press conference, Rebar Ahmed said, “Kurdistan will not be a source of threat to any country,” emphasizing that the region consistently seeks friendly relations and stability with neighboring states.
Ahmed cautioned against the resurgence and growing movements of Islamic State, stressing that the group “continues to pose a serious threat.”
He noted that the organization has become more active in recent months in several areas of Iraq and Syria, underscoring the need for enhanced security coordination to combat terrorism.
The minister also stressed the importance of maintaining calm in the region, calling for collective efforts to shield Iraq and the Kurdistan Region from the risks of war and conflict, and to ensure that citizens live in conditions of safety and security.
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Syrian Interior Ministry Announces Security Oversight of Qamishlo International Airport
ARK News.. The Syrian Ministry of Interior has announced the commencement of security supervision at Qamishlo International Airport, as part of the implementation of the agreement concluded between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
In a statement published on its official platforms late Saturday, February 21, 2026, the Ministry of Interior of Syria said that the Airports and Border Security Administration had assumed responsibility for security oversight at the airport within the framework of the agreement’s executive arrangements. The ministry did not provide further details regarding the mechanism of implementation or the timeline for upcoming procedures.
Earlier in the day, a Syrian government delegation arrived at Qamishlo International Airport in preparation for restoring it to service after more than a year of suspension.
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US Forces Withdraw from Qasrek Base in Hasaka Countryside
ARK News.. US forces have begun withdrawing from the Qasrek base, located northeast of Hasaka, amid intensified logistical movements observed at the site over the past several hours, according to a Syrian human rights source.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that US forces in western Kurdistan initiated the withdrawal on Saturday, February 21, 2026, redeploying their units toward the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
According to the source, approximately 100 trucks arriving from the Kurdistan Region reached the base and began loading military equipment and vehicles in preparation for evacuating the site.
The source added that around 100 heavy vehicles departed the base as part of a convoy heading toward the Kurdistan Region via the al-Waleed border crossing.
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President Barzani: Happy Mother Language Day to All Dear Kurdistanis
ARK News.. President Masoud Barzani emphasized that the mother tongue is the foundation of authenticity, identity, awareness, and national solidarity, stressing that preserving it is a national duty.
In a post on the platform X, President Barzani stated: “The mother language is the basis of authenticity, identity, awareness, and national solidarity; preserving it is a national obligation.”
He added: “Happy Mother Language Day to all dear Kurdistanis.”
The message comes as Kurdish communities in the Kurdistan Region and abroad mark International Mother Language Day, highlighting the importance of safeguarding and promoting the Kurdish language.
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