Arab Diplomats Reach Out to Syria's New Leadership: A New Era of Regional Relations?

In a significant development signaling a shift in regional diplomacy, top Arab diplomats converged on Damascus on Monday for meetings with Syria's new leadership, led by Ahmed al-Shara. This marks the latest attempt by Arab nations to restore relations with Syria, which had been largely isolated under the administration of former President Bashar al-Assad, who was recently ousted by a coalition of rebel forces. The visits by Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammed Al-Khulaifi are particularly noteworthy, as they represent some of the first high-ranking diplomatic engagements since al-Assad's removal two weeks ago. The Jordanian foreign ministry announced that Safadi held "extensive talks" with al-Shara, while Al-Khulaifi’s arrival shortly after indicates a keen interest from these nations in fostering ties with the new government. The backdrop of these visits is a marked change in the geopolitical landscape of the region. Many Arab nations had severed ties with Syria following al-Assad’s violent repression of democratic movements that erupted during the Arab Spring in 2011, which ultimately devolved into a protracted civil war. Over the years, some of Syria's former adversaries, including Saudi Arabia, have reconsidered their stances, suggesting that renewed engagement could stabilize the tumultuous region. Julien Barnes-Dacey, the Middle East and North Africa program director at the European Council on Foreign Relations, pointed out that Arab states now perceive a more promising opportunity with al-Shara at the helm, especially after previous attempts to engage with al-Assad yielded little progress. Initial concerns regarding al-Shara’s past connections with Al-Qaeda have been alleviated by his assurances of a pragmatic, inclusive government, which has garnered favorable responses from regional leaders. Paul Salem, of the Middle East Institute, emphasized the potential for a shift in regional alliances, particularly in light of Syria's historical alignment with Iran — a predominantly Shiite power. The Sunni-majority Arab countries see a chance to recalibrate their relationships, especially in a context where Qatar has taken a leading role by supporting the new government, contrasting its earlier refusal to engage with al-Assad. The discussions on Monday also hinted at significant economic prospects for Syria, with al-Shara expressing gratitude for Qatar's commitment to invest in critical infrastructure, including energy sectors and airports. This aligns with a broader theme of Arab nations recognizing the need for stability and support for the Syrian populace as the country navigates its post-conflict landscape. Jordan's Safadi brought up urgent issues facing his nation, particularly the situation of approximately 620,000 registered Syrian refugees and the need for their safe and voluntary return. He also highlighted shared regional concerns regarding terrorism and drug trafficking that have plagued Jordan due to the instability in Syria. In a bid to reshape his public image, al-Shara opted for formal attire during these diplomatic meetings, moving away from the military fatigues previously associated with the leadership. His efforts to engage with both Jordanian and Qatari officials illustrate a commitment to mend ties with the international community and establish a new narrative for Syria. The outreach is not limited to Arab nations. Al-Shara has also engaged with Turkey's foreign minister and Lebanese political figures, seeking to address the complexities of regional relations that have historically been strained by Syria’s past actions under the Assad regime. In particular, al-Shara’s acknowledgment of Syria’s previous role in Lebanon as a source of anxiety signals a potential shift toward more constructive relations with its neighbors. As the diplomatic landscape continues to evolve, the influx of Arab delegations to Syria may be just the beginning of a broader effort to stabilize the country and reintegrate it into the Arab fold after years of estrangement. However, as experts caution, Syria's recovery will hinge on the willingness of these nations to provide tangible resources and political backing, which will be critical in navigating the challenges that lie ahead.