Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani has begun his first visit to the UAE following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Accompanied by top officials, he aims to cultivate diplomatic ties amidst regional tensions, particularly the UAE’s apprehension towards Syria’s Islamist-led government and concerns regarding Turkish influence. This visit occurs shortly after engagements with Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Syria’s new Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, commenced his inaugural visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday, as reported by the official state news agency, SANA. Minister al-Shaibani, joined by Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and Intelligence Chief Anas Khattab, expressed a desire to foster constructive bilateral relations upon arrival, sharing a photograph of himself disembarking from the aircraft via social media. This visit follows significant political upheaval, as al-Shaibani and his colleagues assumed their roles after Islamist-led forces ousted President Bashar al-Assad in early December, culminating over 13 years of civil conflict.
Following a prior engagement in Qatar and a visit to Saudi Arabia last week, al-Shaibani’s trip to the UAE is seen against a backdrop of geopolitical apprehensions. Analysts note the UAE’s wariness regarding Syria’s new leaders, stemming from concerns regarding political Islam and a perceived disproportionate Turkish influence in the region. This contrasts sharply with Qatar and Turkey, both of whom supported the anti-Assad uprising and have recently reestablished diplomatic facilities in Damascus after al-Assad’s exile.
The political landscape in Syria has dramatically shifted following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad, positioning Asaad al-Shaibani and his administration at the forefront of a new regime. Following over a decade of civil strife characterized by rival factions and international intervention, the rise of Islamist-led rebels has led to a reevaluation of diplomatic ties in the region. The UAE’s prior commitment to restoring relations with al-Assad complicates its current stance towards Syria’s new leadership, highlighting the intricate dynamics of Middle Eastern politics and the varying approaches of regional players towards governance and influence.
In conclusion, Asaad al-Shaibani’s visit to the UAE marks a significant step for Syria’s new government as it attempts to secure international recognition and build alliances. However, the complex geopolitical landscape, characterized by mutual distrust and differing interests, poses challenges to establishing stable relations. The apprehension displayed by the UAE towards the Islamist affiliations of Syria’s leaders indicates the ongoing uncertainties regarding the future direction of Syrian governance and foreign policy interactions.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
