Recent diplomatic efforts to engage with Syria's new leadership, following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, indicate a significant geopolitical shift within the region. Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, alongside Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammed Al-Khulaifi, visited Damascus, highlighting the efforts of regional powers to forge new relationships with the new Syrian administration under Ahmed al-Sharaa, the de facto ruler.
During his meeting with al-Sharaa, Safadi expressed Jordan’s commitment to support Syria during the rebuilding process. “We stand by our Syrian brothers as they start the rebuilding process,” Safadi stated when addressing the media after their discussions, as reported by Al Jazeera. His remarks reflect Jordan’s strategic interest, emphasizing stability and security along the long shared border, which has been marred by issues of drug and weapons smuggling.
Al-Khulaifi's presence marked the first arrival of Qatari diplomats to Syria since the civil war began, signalling Qatar's willingness to engage new Syrian authorities. The Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson noted, “Syria and its people need support during this important phase.” This outreach showcases Qatar’s enduring commitment to assist Syria, backing earlier claims of providing aid directed at rebuilding the war-torn nation.
The high-level diplomatic visits also come just a couple of weeks after the coalition led by al-Sharaa’s group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), overthrew al-Assad’s regime on December 8, 2023. The momentum of this recent upheaval has attracted attention globally, pushing former adversaries to exhibit newfound cooperation.
Turkey's foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, also played a key role shortly after the regime change by visiting Damascus, as Turkiye has extended previous support to the Syrian opposition. During their discussions, Fidan emphasized the necessity for swift political transition and rebuilding efforts within Syria, asserting the need for unity and calling for the removal of international sanctions against Syria.
Safadi highlighted mutual concerns surrounding security collaborations, stating, "Our talks were clear; we... are ready to provide support.” He raised alarms about the threats from drug trafficking and the presence of extremist groups along the Jordanian border, which had escalated under al-Assad's governance.
With the shift from al-Assad's government, Syria’s new leadership appears eager to establish legitimacy both regionally and internationally. This was clearly delineated when US State Department's Middle East chief Barbara Leaf met with al-Sharaa, subtly endorsing the transitional authority and discussing the future diplomatic positioning of the country. “Our principled position on Syria is very clear: preserving the sovereignty and integrity of Syria," Esmaeil Baqaei from Iran's Foreign Affairs emphasized, asserting Iran's stance on Syria’s independence even after the fall of the al-Assad regime.
The diplomatic overtures by Jordan and Qatar signify Arab nations’ attempts to reintegrate Syria within the region after years of isolation. Top Arab diplomats convened earlier to pledge support for the reconstruction and to advocate for peaceful transitions of power within the Syrian framework.
Analysts have pointed out how these developments reflect changing attitudes of Arab states — from previous animosities to more constructive engagements, acknowledging the political realities following Assad's ouster. Paul Salem from the Middle East Institute noted, “The influx of Arab delegations reflects the potential for a change,” indicating interest from Arab countries to improve relations with Syria.
Despite the cautious optimism from neighboring nations like Jordan and Qatar, underlying challenges remain. For Jordan, the return of Syrian refugees poses both humanitarian and logistic demands; officials continue to stress the necessity for any returning population to do so voluntarily and safely. Questions linger about how Syria will navigate international dynamics now different from the al-Assad era, especially with countries like Iran still aiming to influence the outcomes within Syria. The reality of ISIS remnants posing continued threats adds layer to the collaborative security discussions with neighboring countries.
The recent visits represent more than mere diplomatic gestures; they symbolize the shifting geopolitics of the Middle East, marking the beginning of renewed relations built on assessing new realities and prospects for stability after over ten years of harsh civil conflict. The acceptance of the new leadership by former opponents demonstrates both necessity and opportunism, framing hope for the rebuilding of Syria’s economy and infrastructure alongside regional reconciliation efforts. What remains to be seen is how these diplomatic ties will evolve and if they will lead to lasting peace and collaborative governance moving forward.
