Nournews: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt are trying to prevent the increase in power of Islamist groups affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood in Syria, while Turkey and Qatar are the main supporters of this movement.
After years of crisis and civil war that led to the toppling of Bashar al-Assad's government, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham and its affiliated groups took power in Syria. Now, the country has entered a new phase of political development that is advancing at a significant pace.
These developments have raised concerns for Persian Gulf nations and Egypt. Following the establishment of a new political authority in Syria, the presence of diplomatic delegations from different countries, particularly from Persian Gulf nations, indicates that these countries are serious about playing a role in the ongoing developments.
Of course, it is still too soon to see these developments as a result of changes in the attitudes of these countries regarding the new authority in Syria. These countries, particularly Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, have called for respecting red lines regarding foreign policy in Syria through their hidden and obvious messages. They have asked Damascus to take their interests into consideration in their economic and political cooperation.
Oppositions to political Islamist movement
The most important concern of these countries is about the presence of Islamist movements affiliated with Muslim Brotherhood in the new authority of Syria. The issue has turned into a serious concern in some Arab countries including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Opposition to political Islamist Movements
The most important concern of these countries is regarding the presence of Islamist movements affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood in Syria’s new authority. This issue has become a serious concern for some Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Historically, these countries have always had a special attitude towards political Islamist movements and have most of the time announced their concerns regarding the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood and similar groups.
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, particularly after bitter experiences of Arab Spring, believe that Political Islamist Movement can be a threat to domestic stability of these countries and can influence the regional movements.
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, particularly after the bitter experiences of the Arab Spring, believe that Political Islamist Movements can be a threat to the domestic stability of these countries and can influence regional developments.
Cautious approach of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates
The Saudis and the Emiratis have tried to get close to the new Syria by taking a cautious approach and adopting a policy focused on enhancing Arab identity.
Policies of these countries regarding the new Syria are influenced by geopolitical changes and domestic conditions in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh. In fact, Saudi Arabia, in particular, is trying to become a political power in the Middle East by distinguishing its policies from those of other regional nations. In line with this, the United Arab Emirates is seeking stability in the region so that it can expand its economic projects.
Syria, an opportunity or threat for Persian Gulf states?
Within this framework, the new Syria, as a developing nation, can be an opportunity for investment and economic development in West Asia and for linking these nations to the Mediterranean region. However, political concerns will still impact the diplomatic and economic relations between the Persian Gulf states and Syria. Currently, Syria is seeking to rebuild the country and improve its economic situation. However, to achieve this goal, it needs international cooperation. Although Iran, as one of the most influential players in the Levant, has significant potential to influence Syria’s future development, the new authority is seeking to expand its relations with Arab countries and request their economic assistance due to the close Iran-Syria relations during Bashar Assad’s rule.
The role of Saudi Arabia in reducing the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood
One of the main reasons driving Saudi Arabia to play an active role in Syria’s developments is its attempt to reduce concerns about the rise of Brotherhood groups’ activities in the region. Riyadh is aware that if Damascus strengthens its ties with Turkey and Qatar—both of which are key supporters of Brotherhood-related groups—the group's influence within Syria’s power structure will likely grow. To counter this, Saudi Arabia seeks to prevent such a scenario by providing economic assistance to Syria and fostering dependence of the new Syrian authority on itself. Egypt and the United Arab Emirates play an important role in this path as their regional policies have always been aligned with those of Saudi Arabia. These countries aim to limit the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood to avoid a repetition of past bitter experiences in the Arab world and prevent potential instability in the region.
Ahmad al-Sherra’s visit to Riyadh and its political messages
The recent visit of Ahmad al-Sherra, the President of Syria, to Saudi Arabia is an important step toward rebuilding political and economic ties with Arab countries. The trip aimed to emphasize Syria’s Arab identity and its return to the embrace of the Arab Ummah. Ahmad al-Sherra’s frequent visits to Turkey, which—along with Qatar—is considered the main supporter of Tahrir al-Shaam, indicate Damascus’s tendency to cooperate with Turkey and Arab countries while balancing between these poles. Although statements and remarks by Syria’s new rulers against Iran have significantly decreased, Ahmad al-Sherra’s approach to foreign policy indicates that he does not intend to improve ties with Iran, at least for now.
Future outlook of the new Syria
The current trend suggests that Syria’s political future is shaped by a combination of domestic and foreign factors. While the new Syrian government seeks to rebuild and expand its economy, regional concerns and various political discourses affect Syria’s relationship with other Arab countries. The trajectory of political developments in Syria indicates that the country is entering a new era of international relations, which may bring both challenges and economic opportunities for Damascus.
Attempts by the leaders of Tahrir al-Shaam to create legitimacy and recognition for their authority, and to rebuild the group's past image, which led to it being listed as a terrorist organization by international bodies and Western countries, along with actions to preserve the country’s territorial integrity and to create political, security, and social cohesion, are among the initial steps taken by the new Syrian authority in shaping a new political system for the country.
"Paying attention to regional developments and the impact of Arab and international policies on Syria, particularly regarding political and economic cooperation, is vital for a better understanding of the country's development path and its impact on the Middle East."
NOURNEWS