Recent conversations between prominent Lebanese politician Walid Jumblatt and insurgent Ahmad al-Sharaa have generated optimism for the future of Lebanese-Syrian relations following the removal of Syrian President Bashar Assad after 54 years of rule. Jumblatt, known for his vocal criticism of Syria's past interference in Lebanon, regards the events as opening doors for more cooperative ties.
The meeting marks the first substantial engagement from Lebanon following Assad’s ouster, with Jumblatt expressing hope for normalized relationships. He emphasizes, "Syria will no longer be a case of negative interference in Lebanon." The discussions come amid significant shifts and reconfigurations of power within Syria, as al-Sharaa, who was pivotal during the insurgent-led effort to unseat Assad, is now engaged with diplomats and leaders as the country enters this new chapter.
While both men have voiced eagerness for improved relations, Jumblatt’s history adds depth to the hope articulated. His father, Kamal Jumblatt, was killed in 1977, allegedly linked to Syria's military interventions during Lebanon's civil war, creating deep-seated skepticism about Syrian intentions. Al-Sharaa, reflecting on the past, called for accountability for crimes committed against both Lebanese and Syrian people, particularly referencing the involvement of Assad’s regime in the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
Now, amid the ashes of war and conflict, Jumblatt and al-Sharaa share aspirations for moving forward. Jumblatt stated, "We hope all who committed crimes against the Lebanese will be held accountable, and fair trials will be held for those who committed crimes against the Syrian people." Actions to establish unified military structures are underway, with al-Sharaa proposing the creation of a defense ministry to bring insurgent factions under state control, recognizing, "The logic of a state is different from the logic of a revolution."
Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, projected challenges for the nascent government. Khamenei noted resistance from the youth, urging them to push back against foreign influences perceived as compromising Syrian sovereignty, particularly from the U.S. and Israel. He stated, "The young Syrian has nothing to lose," characterizing the aftermath of Assad’s regime as fraught with uncertainty for many Syrians who experienced years of war and upheaval.
International oversight bodies are taking steps to preserve evidence of crimes committed during Syria’s civil conflict. The head of the U.N.-backed team investigating war crimes expressed optimism over collaboration with the new authorities to secure this evidence before it potentially becomes destroyed amid the shifting political landscapes. Robert Petit remarked, "We welcome the fact we were invited to come and engage with the authorities," indicating hopes for accountability moving forward.
Simultaneously, thousands of Syrian refugees are returning home, often to find their neighborhoods reduced to rubble. Alaa Badawi, who returned to the devastated Qaboun district, poignantly described the struggle to find his family's home amid the destruction: "Which is our house? Which is our alley? There is nothing visible." Many like him are lamenting the loss of their communities yet seeking to reconnect with their identities as they sift through the remnants.
Though Jumblatt and al-Sharaa's conversation symbolizes new beginnings, it also highlights the shadows of the past and the extensive work required to rebuild trust and stability. The international community continues to watch closely as events unfurl, with many hoping the current momentum leads to real change and healed relations between Lebanon and Syria after decades of turmoil and conflict.
