Governments worldwide are stepping up efforts to engage with Syria’s new interim rulers, just over a week after Islamist-led rebels ousted president Bashar al-Assad, ending decades of brutal rule and civil war. The lightning offensive captured the capital Damascus on December 8, leading to celebrations across the country and beyond. At Damascus University on Sunday, Yasmin Shehab told AFP, "We feel liberated, and the chains have been broken. Fear has been shattered." This optimistic sentiment reflects the feelings of many Syrians after the overthrow of Assad.
International responses to the regime change have been swift, with several nations sending diplomatic emissaries to the new government. France has taken the lead, announcing it will dispatch a team of diplomats to Syria on Tuesday to gauge the political and security situation. The French Foreign Ministry stated the visit aims to show "willingness to support the Syrian people." Meanwhile, Qatar will reopen its embassy in Damascus on Tuesday, marking its return after withdrawing its ambassador over Assad's violent crackdowns during the 2011 protests.
The urgency of these diplomatic moves is underscored by the EU’s assessment of Syria’s new leadership, particularly concerning the role of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which has been designated as a terrorist organization by several Western governments. Despite this designation, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed the British government has maintained diplomatic contact with HTS. He stated, "We want to see a representative government, an inclusive government. We want to see chemical weapons stockpiles secured, and not used, and we want to make sure there is not continuing violence… using all the channels, we seek to deal with HTS where we have to." This nuanced approach signifies the complexity of foreign engagement with the new Syrian regime.
The UK has also pledged £50 million for humanitarian aid, which includes £30 million for food, shelter, and emergency healthcare within Syria. Lammy described this support as integral to the UK's strategy, emphasizing the importance of humanitarian access as talks of political structure take shape. Concurrently, the United States has echoed this sentiment, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirming direct contacts with HTS, particularly concerned about the fate of missing American journalist Austin Tice.
On the ground, the new interim government faces immense challenges. The damage wrought by years of civil war has left institutional structures shattered, requiring significant efforts for rebuilding. During his visit to Syria, UN envoy Geir Pedersen met with HTS chief Ahmed al-Sharaa, previously known as Abu Mohammed al-Julani. He stressed the need for justice and accountability to avoid cycles of revenge, stating, "We need to make sure justice goes through a credible system, and we don’t see any revenge." The emphasis on inclusive governance reflects international calls for the new leadership to prioritize the needs of all Syrians.
Several other nations have indicated their intentions to restore ties with Syria. Turkey, which has backed some rebel factions, reopened its embassy to reinforce its stance. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced efforts to coordinate aid, including supplies of wheat, flour, and oil. The dynamics of regional alliances are shifting rapidly, driven by the changing political scene.
Despite this cautious optimism, the reality for ethnic and religious minorities remains precarious under HTS, whose roots lie within the Al-Qaeda network. The UK and US are closely monitoring HTS's actions, maintaining their terrorist designation until significant changes are evidenced. Lammy stated, "We will judge them [HTS] on their actions, I won’t comment on future proscription, but of course we recognize this is an important moment for Syria." The anxiety among minority groups is palpable, as they assess what this change means for their safety and rights.
With the UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher visiting Damascus, the international community is underlining the necessity of urgent aid and assistance. Fletcher's observation, "A week of change in five decades, and then five decades of change in a week," captures the unprecedented speed of these developments. European Union officials have called for actions from the new government to fulfill the needs of all citizens, emphasizing the importance of humanitarian rights.
Russia, which had long supported Assad, has begun evacuations of its diplomatic staff from Syria amid the growing chaos. Their foreign ministry confirmed the evacuations, marking another significant shift as regimes reposition themselves following Assad's downfall. Israeli forces have been active as well, targeting military assets linked to the former regime to prevent any potential threats to their security.
This transformation within Syria, marked by the end of Assad's over 50-year rule, poses significant questions about the future of the nation. With nations like Turkey, Qatar, and France engaging with the new leadership, the focus will remain on facilitating humanitarian aid and establishing stable governance mechanisms. The international community is hopeful for reconstruction and recovery, as Syrian students and citizens begin embracing their newfound freedom—albeit with cautious optimism surrounding the challenges yet to come.
