Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrived in Moscow on October 15th for a visit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, reportedly at Putin's personal invitation. The visit occurred as passports belonging to a Syrian delegation that recently visited Lebanon were leaked online, sparking an investigation into the breach and the relations between the two countries. This development also highlighted alleged ties between Assadist groups and the areas in Lebanon involved in the leak. During the reporting window, al-Sharaa's convoy was observed on the streets of Moscow. The visit was anticipated, with details about al-Sharaa's travel with his ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defense to Moscow on October 15th having been revealed a week prior. Meanwhile, in a separate development, Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Masoud Barzani met with a delegation from the Kurdish National Council (ENKS/KNC) in northeastern Syria. Barzani emphasized the importance of Kurdish unity and encouraged the coalition to foster social peace and coexistence with other communities in Syria. The passport leak in Lebanon has drawn criticism, with questions raised about who stamped and leaked the documents, and whether such incidents align with desired bilateral relations. The account associated with the leak reportedly expressed gratitude to the "Men of Light," an insurgent group active in Syria's Coast, underscoring reported connections between Assadist elements and Lebanese factions. The context of al-Sharaa's visit also includes broader discussions on regional dynamics, such as potential deals between the SDF and Damascus and Syria's relationship with Russia.
