Syria’s embassy in Lebanon has halted consular services following the arrest of relatives of Bashar Assad with forged passports. Lebanese authorities handed over dozens of Syrians, including former army officers, to the new Syrian government led by HTS. Regional relationships are evolving, yet tensions persist between HTS and pro-Assad groups, as well as concerns regarding women’s rights among Kurdish factions.
The Syrian embassy in Lebanon has suspended its consular services following the arrest of two relatives of deposed President Bashar Assad at Beirut airport for allegedly using forged passports. Subsequently, the Lebanese government handed over approximately 70 Syrians, including former Syrian army officers, to the newly established Syrian authorities, led by the insurgent group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The embassy’s announcement did not specify the reasons for the suspension of services. However, sources indicated that it was linked to the previously mentioned passport scandal involving Assad’s family members. Meanwhile, regional relations with Syria’s new leadership have started to be renewed, with delegations from Libya and Bahrain visiting Damascus. Despite attempts by HTS to stabilize governance, tensions have arisen between its security forces and pro-Assad factions. Additionally, Kurdish groups have expressed concerns regarding the implications of HTS’s rule, fearing a regression of women’s rights under this new leadership, with public protests emerging to advocate for women’s roles in the future of Syria.
The political landscape in Syria has undergone significant transformations since the civil conflict began in 2011. The newly formed government led by HTS marks a departure from the previous regime under Bashar Assad, raising concerns about governance, human rights, and the rights of minorities, particularly women. HTS, previously categorized as an extremist group, has aimed to demonstrate a more stable governance approach, yet this has not alleviated fears and resistance from various societal segments, especially in regions like northeastern Syria where Kurdish influence is strong. The evolving relations with Lebanon and regional powers reflect ongoing geopolitical dynamics in the region, as countries reassess their positions towards the new Syrian authority.
In conclusion, the recent developments surrounding the Syrian embassy’s suspension of services and the handover of former army officials signal a changing political environment in Syria under HTS. The ongoing tensions between different factions, coupled with Kurdish movements advocating for women’s rights, highlight the complexities of the new governance. As regional diplomacy with countries like Libya and Bahrain progresses, the implementation of inclusive governance remains a crucial concern. The situation in Syria continues to demand close observation, particularly regarding efforts to stabilize the country while addressing the rights of its diverse population.
Original Source: apnews.com
