Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government, developments in Syria have entered a sensitive and new phase. Western and regional powers, adopting a questionable approach, are attempting to rapidly redefine their diplomatic relations with the new rulers in Damascus, who are under the leadership of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham. This shift in approach, initiated by the EU and allied countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Qatar, signifies a practical departure from previous policies concerning counter-terrorism.
Despite Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham's ongoing propaganda and representation of itself as a moderate group that respects human rights, concerns remain among Western and Arab countries about normalizing relations with a group that still appears on the lists of terrorist organizations. This has led to increased scrutiny and questioning.
Changes in European Union's policy
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, Kaja Kallas, recently stated that the decision to send this envoy to Damascus is aimed at achieving two main objectives:
Engaging with the new Syrian government, despite its past ties to Al-Qaeda, as a means to stabilize the region.
Maintaining European influence in competition with other regional and international powers, such as the United States, Russia, and neighboring Arab countries.
Challenges to the Legitimacy of the New Syrian government
Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, led by Mohammed al-Golani, who is now known as the leader of the former opposition and the interim government, remains on the terrorist list of the United Nations. This presents a new challenge for the European Union and other countries aiming to normalize relations with the new Syrian government.
Balancing Interests with various actors
The challenge for the new foreign policy chief of the European Union, Kaja Kalas, is to maintain European influence in the region and balance relations with Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham. Initially, this may lead to a cautious approach with the new Syrian authorities. However, in the near future, especially after the implementation of concrete political reforms in Syria, the balance of interests among various actors will likely become clearer. Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, despite its past connections and ongoing propaganda, is now involved in international legitimacy assessments and is seeking recognition from various countries, but the future stability of the new system in Syria and the preservation of primary interests will depend on how it aligns with the interests of other regional powers.
Israel, US stances
Despite domestic changes in Syria, Israel continues its attacks on the military infrastructure of the country. This action indicates that Tel Aviv is unwilling to accept risks regarding the future approaches of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham and the potential new threats to the Israeli regime. The recent phone call between Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump, the elected President of the United States, reflects the coordination between Washington and Tel Aviv to monitor developments in Syria and achieve Israel's strategic goals in the region.
Role of UN
The role of the United Nations in the Syrian conflict, especially in dealing with the new Syrian leaders, is significant. This approach aims to address the challenges of maintaining peace and reducing human suffering in Syria, which are critical and observable goals.
Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government, the situation in Syria has deteriorated, and Western and regional countries are redefining their diplomatic relations with Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham. This policy shift comes with challenges to legitimacy and conflicting interests, and it may lead to new phases of political and diplomatic developments in the region and the preservation of interests among various actors.
Geir Otto Pedersen, UN special envoy for Syria, is also striving to play a significant role in the current and future dynamics of Syria by meeting with its new leaders. These efforts, if aimed at supporting ethnic and religious minorities, preventing the spread of insecurity, and reducing the humanitarian crisis in Syria, represent a noteworthy approach.
NOURNEWS