Syria’s new administration outlined a revised approach to counterterrorism, presenting it as part of continuing efforts to combat terrorism while rebuilding state institutions, rather than relying solely on military operations. Officials described the strategy as a transition from crisis management toward long-term stability.
The Permanent Mission of Syria to the UN in New York, in coordination with the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism and the EU, hosted a side event titled “From an Inherited Threat to National Leadership: The New Syrian Approach to Combating ISIS.”
The event was attended by Hussein Salama, head of Syria’s General Intelligence Service, and Vladimir Voronkov, the UN undersecretary-general for counterterrorism. The EU’s special envoy for counterterrorism also participated, along with ambassadors and representatives from numerous UN member states.
Principles Behind the New Strategy
The discussion centered on two principles that officials said define Syria’s evolving counterterrorism strategy. The first is the transition from what was described as an inherited security threat to national leadership, emphasizing long-term stability instead of focusing exclusively on military operations. The approach seeks to address the underlying causes of extremism while strengthening conditions which reduce the risk of future resurgence.
The second principle emphasizes national ownership of counterterrorism efforts. Rather than relying primarily on military or police responses, the strategy calls for strengthening state institutions, reinforcing the rule of law, and developing professional security agencies capable of addressing security challenges over the long term.
Officials described the shift as a broader change in security governance, presenting security as a foundation for economic and social development rather than an objective in itself. They said stronger institutions and improved stability would help increase state resilience and reduce opportunities for extremist groups to operate.
Syria to Address Global Security Conference
Salama is scheduled to participate in the Fourth High-Level Conference of Heads of Counter-Terrorism Agencies of Member States, which began June 29, at UN headquarters in New York. The two-day conference is being held under the auspices of the UN secretary-general.
The conference is the flagship event of the UN’s Fourth Counter-Terrorism Week, bringing together ministers, intelligence officials, regional and international organizations, like INTERPOL, and civil society representatives to support implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and strengthen cooperation on emerging security challenges.
Salama’s participation is the first publicly announced Syrian appearance at this level since the conference series began in 2018. The event provides an opportunity for Syria’s new administration to present its institutional approach to counterterrorism and engage with international counterparts on evolving security issues.
