In brief
In the wake of President Bashar al-Assad's ousting, Jordan and Qatar's foreign ministers conduct high-profile visits to Syria, indicating a renewed interest in establishing ties with the new leadership under Ahmed al-Shara and supporting a peaceful transition for the country.
Ministers from Jordan and Qatar recently visited Damascus, marking a significant change in diplomatic relations as Syria begins to emerge from the isolation it faced during Bashar al-Assad’s tenure. These notable visits took place just two weeks following the fall of Assad’s regime, demonstrating Arab nations’ eagerness to engage with a country previously seen as a source of instability in the region.Ahmed al-Shara, the newly appointed leader, hosted meetings with both Jordan’s foreign minister, Ayman Safadi, and Qatar’s minister of state for foreign affairs, Mohammed Al-Khulaifi. The discussions focused on potential pathways to stabilize the country and restore its position within the Arab community. According to a statement released by the Jordanian foreign ministry, these talks were described as "extensive" and crucial for a supportive transition in Syria.Most Arab nations severed relations with al-Assad’s government, particularly after his violent suppression of pro-democracy movements in 2011, which led to a prolonged civil war. However, attitudes have shifted in recent years as some countries reconsider their options. Following unsuccessful strategies for stabilizing the region through engagement with al-Assad, recent events have encouraged a pragmatic approach towards the new leadership.Earlier efforts, such as the invitation extended to al-Assad by the Saudi government for an Arab League summit, proved fruitless, with al-Assad persistently employing repressive measures. Now, Arab nations view the changing dynamics in Syria as an opportunity to foster collaboration under refreshed leadership, hoping that establishing these new ties will contribute positively to the region’s stability and development.
