Syria’s new Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shibani, visited Qatar to discuss re-establishing diplomatic relations. The visit follows meetings with numerous foreign ministers as part of Syria’s efforts to alleviate economic sanctions and foster international partnerships. HTS aims to strengthen ties despite complex geopolitical challenges, as nearly 90% of the population lives in poverty.
The newly appointed Syrian Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shibani, recently visited Doha to engage in discussions with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, as part of Syria’s efforts to rebuild its diplomatic relationships. Al-Shibani’s visit follows a series of meetings, including interactions with foreign ministers from France and Germany, aimed at fostering international partnerships to aid Syria’s recovery amidst its ongoing economic challenges. The civil war, exacerbated by the actions of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), created a pressing need for Syria to re-establish its global connections and alleviate the severe economic sanctions imposed on it since the uprising began in 2011.
Al-Shibani expressed his concerns regarding the harsh economic sanctions in discussions with Qatari officials, highlighting the predicament faced by the Syrian populace, of which around 90% live in poverty. He affirmed plans to advance strategic partnerships, including upcoming visits to Jordan and the United Arab Emirates, while outlining intentions for a national dialogue summit aimed at developing a political roadmap for Syria’s future, and restoring its governance structure. Notably, HTS’s leadership has called for reforms, including restructuring the ruling entity, which remains to be seen in light of the longstanding international reluctance to engage with Syria under its current regime.
Moreover, the road ahead for re-establishing Syria’s diplomatic ties is complex and fraught with challenges. The longstanding opposition from Qatar during Assad’s rule and the hesitation from Western nations, particularly the United States and Europe, to engage with HTS complicate potential reconciliations. Al-Shibani’s appeal for the lifting of sanctions comes at a critical juncture where the repercussions of economic hardship continue to plague the Syrian population. As the possibility of restoring diplomatic relations unfurls, both regional support and the response of Western powers will play a crucial role in shaping Syria’s political future.
The ongoing crisis in Syria, ignited by an uprising against President Bashar al-Assad in 2011, has resulted in a harsh civil war marked by a significant death toll and widespread humanitarian crises. Following significant territorial gains by the Islamist group HTS, which toppled Assad’s regime in December, the new leaders are attempting to navigate Syria’s complex international relationships in a bid to restore diplomatic ties. With the international community largely having severed connections due to human rights violations and war crimes associated with Assad’s regime, the new leadership under HTS seeks to rehabilitate its diplomatic standing and alleviate crippling economic sanctions that have hampered the country’s recovery. The ongoing plight of the Syrian people continues to be a focal point in these discussions, with nearly the entire population facing severe poverty.
In summary, Asaad al-Shibani’s diplomatic engagements mark a significant shift in Syria’s foreign policy, as the new leadership strives to find common ground with regional and global powers. The potential for diplomatic normalization remains challenged by the historical opposition to HTS’s governance and the lingering international sanctions. Nonetheless, the commitment to fostering partnerships for economic recovery in Syria signals a strategic pivot towards rebuilding the nation’s socio-economic fabric, contingent upon the evolving geopolitical landscape.
Original Source: www.euronews.com
