Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani visited Qatar seeking diplomatic ties as HTS establishes authority following the ousting of Bashar Assad. He plans further visits to Jordan and the UAE to enhance cooperation for Syria’s recovery, while addressing concerns over economic sanctions affecting the populace. International responses remain uncertain amid humanitarian challenges.
Syria’s newly appointed Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shibani, engaged in discussions with Qatari officials, including his counterpart and Qatar’s Prime Minister, in Doha on January 5, 2025. This meeting marks a significant step for Syria’s newly established authorities under Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) as they embark on efforts to rebuild diplomatic relationships with regional and global powers. Minister al-Shibani announced plans to pursue strategic partnerships with Jordan and the United Arab Emirates in a bid to enhance Syria’s security and stimulate economic recovery.
Prior to his visit to Qatar, Mr. al-Shibani held talks with Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister in Riyadh on January 2, 2025, and also welcomed representatives from Germany and France in Damascus shortly thereafter. The recent upheaval led by HTS resulted in the ousting of President Bashar Assad on December 8, concluding his long-standing regime that had persisted for over four decades. This conflict has resulted in the tragic loss of approximately 500,000 lives since its onset in 2011.
The international community largely severed ties with Assad due to his brutal response to peaceful protests, subsequently imposing sanctions not only on him but also on his associates from Russia and Iran. Following the recent power shift, HTS aims to reintegrate Syria into the international fold and lift the sanctions imposed against both the group and its leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, as part of its economic revival strategy. Notably, Qatar had previously supported opposition factions combatting Assad, making this diplomatic engagement particularly noteworthy.
During meetings, Mr. al-Shibani expressed concerns about the detrimental impact of economic sanctions on Syrians, urging the United States to reconsider its stance. Highlighting the humanitarian crisis, he noted that approximately 90% of the Syrian population lives in poverty, with many lacking reliable access to basic necessities like food. Furthermore, Mr. al-Sharaa plans to convene a national dialogue summit aimed at drafting a new political framework and constitution for Syria, promising to work towards dissolving HTS. However, uncertainty lingers regarding the likelihood of sanctions being lifted, particularly as Western nations remain vigilant regarding the treatment of minority groups and women under the new regime.
These developments are indicative of a shifting political landscape in Syria, as HTS strives to secure essential alliances that foster stability and recovery in a nation largely devastated by conflict.
The current diplomatic endeavors of Syria’s new foreign minister are rooted in the significant political changes that have unfolded in the country following the ousting of President Bashar Assad. The emergence of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) not only represents a shift in governance but also a potential shift in international relations, particularly as Syria seeks to restore ties that were severed during the civil war. The humanitarian crisis exacerbated by years of conflict and economic sanctions calls for urgent international engagement and assistance to address the dire circumstances facing the Syrian population.
In conclusion, the visit of Syria’s Foreign Minister to Qatar marks a significant attempt at re-establishing diplomatic ties and securing essential support for the nation’s recovery efforts. With HTS now in power, there exists both opportunity and uncertainty in Syria’s foreign relations landscape. As al-Shibani continues to engage with regional governments, the response of international powers, particularly regarding sanctions, will play a critical role in shaping Syria’s future.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
