Taking full control of the capital city of Damascus and the surrounding area for the first time since the civil war broke out in 2011 has given the Syrian regime new impetus. That success also allows it to approach reconstruction of infrastructure and cities. This comes despite a lack of any signs of a political solution to the conflict, save an agreement by the opposition and regime to form a constitutional committee.
Syrian regime forces and their allies managed to extend their control in April over the last parts of the Palestinian refugee camp of Yarmouk just south of Damascus. Relatives of Islamic State militants who controlled the camp headed to the desert as part of a deal between the parties. The northern province of Idlib and parts of the southern region in Daraa and Quneitra remain under the control of opposition forces, subject to a de-escalation agreement with the regime.
