News ID : 211321
Publish Date : 2/2/2025 8:24:23 PM
Battle of influence in Damascus: Is stability in Syria possible?

Battle of influence in Damascus: Is stability in Syria possible?

Recent developments in Syria have changed the geopolitical dynamics of West Asia. The appointment of Ahmad Sherra (al-Jolani) as the president of Syria and the visit of the Emir of Qatar to Damascus are among the first official signs of legitimizing the new government of the country. Meanwhile, al-Jolani’s visit to Saudi Arabia indicates that Riyadh intends to strengthen its position in the new order.

Nournews: Syria is going through critical days. Recent developments have had profound effects not only domestically but also on regional equations. Ahmad al-Sharaa, known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, the former leader of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, has now assumed the presidency of Syria—an outcome that, just a few months ago, was not even considered in the most pessimistic speculations.

At the same time, diplomatic visits to Syria have increased. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, was the first foreign leader to visit Damascus after these changes and held a direct meeting with al-Jolani. This visit not only signified the legitimization of Syria’s new government but also sent a strong message to other regional actors that Qatar remains a key player in Syrian affairs and is ready to support the new administration.

Why was the Emir of Qatar the first foreign leader to visit the new Syria?

In recent years, Qatar has been one of the main supporters of the armed opposition against Bashar al-Assad’s government, particularly Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham. While Turkey focused its efforts on supporting the “Syrian National Army,” Doha provided financial and political backing to Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham. The Emir’s visit to Damascus conveyed the message that Qatar intends to maintain its role in Syria and does not plan to cede influence to its regional rivals, particularly Saudi Arabia.

However, Sheikh Tamim’s visit was not merely a tactical move. It also served as a green light to international actors, urging them to recognize Syria’s new government as an undeniable reality. This message was especially directed at Western countries, including the United States and the European Union, indicating that the power shift in Syria has gone beyond an internal conflict and has become a structural transformation in the regional order.

Saudi Arabia enters the game

While Qatar seeks to solidify its influence in the new Syria, Saudi Arabia has not remained idle. The visit of the Saudi foreign minister to Damascus and al-Jolani’s first foreign trip as Syria’s president to Riyadh highlight Saudi Arabia’s efforts to shape the country’s political future.

Traditionally, Riyadh has not had good relations with groups linked to the Muslim Brotherhood and has consistently faced pressure from the UAE and Egypt in this regard. However, with Saudi Arabia’s entry into Syria’s new political landscape, it appears that Riyadh aims to outmaneuver Turkey and Qatar in the competition for influence in Damascus. This move could also serve as a strategy to counter Iran and Russia’s dominance in Syria.

Consequences of recent developments

These recent shifts raise important questions about Syria’s future. Can these changes lead to lasting stability, or are they merely the beginning of a new phase of regional competition?

The first major consequence is the potential easing of international sanctions against Syria. If Saudi Arabia can leverage its engagement with the new government to persuade the U.S. and Europe to reduce economic pressure, Syria’s path to reconstruction could be facilitated. Otherwise, the country may remain trapped in economic crisis.

The second consequence is the likely intensification of regional rivalries. With Saudi Arabia entering Syria’s political scene, its competition with Turkey and Qatar is expected to escalate. Meanwhile, the UAE and Egypt—historically wary of Islamist groups—are likely to adopt a more cautious stance toward these changes.

The visits of the Emir of Qatar to Damascus and al-Jolani to Riyadh indicate that a new order is emerging—one that is no longer defined by military conflicts but by diplomatic and geopolitical maneuvers.

 


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