Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani visited Qatar to strengthen international ties following HTS’s recent takeover. He aims to establish partnerships with Jordan and the UAE while addressing severe poverty in Syria, exacerbated by ongoing sanctions. Al-Sharaa plans a national dialogue to reshape governance amidst global scrutiny of Syria’s human rights record.
On January 5, 2025, Syria’s newly appointed Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani engaged in diplomatic meetings with his Qatari counterpart and Qatar’s Prime Minister in Doha. This visit marks a critical step in the efforts of Syria’s new de facto authorities under Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) to forge regional and international relationships. Al-Shibani announced plans to visit Jordan and the United Arab Emirates to foster strategic partnerships aimed at facilitating Syria’s economic recovery and ensuring security.
In prior meetings, al-Shibani conferred with the Saudi Foreign Minister in Riyadh and received foreign ministers from Germany and France in Damascus. This diplomatic activity follows HTS’s swift insurgency that resulted in the removal of President Bashar Assad on December 8, effectively ending decades of Assad family rule amid a civil war that claimed approximately 500,000 lives.
Historically, widespread sanctions have been imposed on the Assad regime due to its violent responses to civil unrest, severing diplomatic relations globally. With HTS now at the helm, there is a renewed aspiration to rebuild these connections and alleviate economic restrictions that have severely hampered Syria’s stability. Al-Shibani emphasized in discussions with Qatari officials the pressing necessity of lifting economic sanctions against the Syrian populace, who are suffering in extreme poverty.
Al-Sharaa, HTS’s leader, expressed intentions to convene a national dialogue summit to establish a political roadmap for a new constitution and election processes. At this summit, he plans to dissolve HTS and promote cooperation among various political factions during this transitional phase. Although efforts are underway to engage with international powers for a negotiation to lift sanctions, the response from the United States and European nations remains uncertain, particularly due to concerns regarding human rights and the treatment of religious minorities and women under the current regime.
Syria has undergone a tumultuous decade marked by civil conflict, leading to an estimated 500,000 deaths and widespread devastation. Following the ousting of President Bashar Assad in December 2023 by HTS, Pakistan and other nations are navigating the complex task of re-establishing diplomatic ties. The new leadership seeks to rectify the relations severed due to Assad’s brutal crackdown on dissent and the accompanying sanctions. With approximately 90% of the population currently living in poverty, Syria is striving to recover economically and politically while appealing for the lifting of foreign sanctions that hinder progress.
In summary, Syria’s new Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani’s visit to Qatar signifies an important phase in the country’s pursuit of diplomatic relations following the striking political changes initiated by HTS. The aim to enhance economic recovery through international partnerships, alongside efforts to convene a national dialogue for governance reforms, highlights a fragile but hopeful path forward. However, the ambiguity surrounding the lifting of sanctions and international scrutiny remains a significant challenge.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
