Syria’s new President Ahmad al-Sharaa visited the UAE, meeting Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. They discussed mutual interests and regional issues post-Assad. While the UAE has resumed diplomatic ties with Syria, it remains cautious due to historical concerns about Islamist governance. The new leadership is challenged by the need for economic reconstruction and rising tensions with Israel, which continues military activities in Syria.
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa recently undertook his inaugural visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This visit comes four months after the abrupt ousting of former President Bashar Assad by rebel forces. The UAE’s leaders have remained cautious regarding this new leadership in Syria, engaging in diplomatic discussions about mutual interests and regional issues.
During the visit, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, expressed his wishes for Sharaa’s success in guiding Syria towards stability, development, and security. The leaders conversed about various topics, reflecting a commitment to ongoing dialogue between their nations.
The UAE previously severed its ties with Assad’s regime following a violent crackdown on protests beginning in 2011, which led to a prolonged civil conflict. Nevertheless, it was among the first countries to resume diplomatic relations, reopening its embassy in Damascus in December 2018, while Assad himself made a visit to the UAE in 2022, marking his first trip to an Arab nation since the war began.
Despite the welcome of other Gulf states like Saudi Arabia and Qatar towards Syria’s new leadership, the UAE has opted for a more measured approach, given its historical apprehension towards Islamism in governance. The new Syrian authorities, now led by al-Sharaa, face significant challenges in reconstructing the nation after years of conflict, including the consolidation of various armed factions into a cohesive military structure.
Additionally, the new leadership contends with external pressure from Israel, which has heightened military action, conducting airstrikes and occupying areas in a UN-designated buffer zone established under a 1974 ceasefire. Both Syrian officials and the United Nations have accused Israel of violating the ceasefire terms, while Israel insists its military presence is necessary for border protection.
As a nation that has normalization with Israel, the UAE may play a pivotal role in facilitating dialogue or mediation between both Israel and Syria, navigating the complex regional dynamics at play.
The visit of President Ahmad al-Sharaa to the UAE marks a significant diplomatic engagement following the transition of power in Syria. Although met with cautious optimism by some in the Arab world, particularly the UAE, the new Syrian administration faces substantial hurdles in regional relations and internal recovery efforts. The ongoing military actions by Israel further complicate the landscape, potentially positioning the UAE as a mediator to address these tensions.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
