EU's Strategic Engagement with New Syrian Leadership: A Shift Towards Stability
The recent developments in Syria have prompted a significant shift in how international actors, particularly the European Union (EU), engage with the new leadership following the ousting of the long-standing Al Assad regime. Kaja Kallas, the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security, has taken proactive steps by dispatching the main EU diplomat in Syria to establish contact with the new authorities in Damascus. This engagement aims to foster a political transition that is not merely rhetorical but is backed by concrete actions, signaling a crucial moment for Syria's future.
Kallas announced her intentions upon her arrival for a Foreign Affairs Council meeting, stating, "We will discuss today how we engage with the new leaders of Syria and at what level we do so." This meeting follows Kallas's participation in discussions held in Jordan with representatives from Arab nations, Turkey, and the United States, focusing on establishing principles of engagement with Syria's new government. Emphasizing the importance of a united front among regional and international stakeholders, she said, "It is very important that both regional and international actors see the landscape in the same way and want this country to be stable and peaceful."
The recent political upheaval, which saw the Al Assad family's reign in Syria collapse on December 8, was led by the Islamist Liberation Organization of the Levant (HTS), raising new opportunities and concerns regarding the nation's future. Kallas highlighted that it is essential to not only understand the new government’s declarations but also to monitor their actions closely. "It’s not just about knowing what they say but also what they do," she asserted, hinting that the upcoming weeks and months will be telling as to whether the Syrian leadership is committed to moving the country in a positive direction.
Kallas also addressed the potential complexities of this new political landscape, noting that Russia and Iran, traditional allies of Al Assad, should not be regarded as reliable partners moving forward. "They cannot be trusted... they have abandoned the Assad regime," she communicated, indicating a potential recalibration of alliances in the region.
Simultaneously, the United Nations, represented by Special Envoy Geir Pedersen, is exploring ways to provide comprehensive assistance to the Syrian populace post-regime change. Following meetings with new leaders in Damascus, including Ahmed al Charaa, previously known as Abu Mohamed al Jolani, and interim Prime Minister Mohamed al Bashir, Pedersen reiterated the UN's commitment to support an inclusive political transition that is firmly directed by the Syrian people. This transition is expected to be aligned with the principles outlined in UN Security Council Resolution 2254, which advocates for a credible political process aimed at resolving the long-standing crisis in Syria.
During his discussions, Pedersen noted the urgent need for a safe environment conducive to the return of refugees, a paramount concern for the international community amidst the evolving political dynamics. Furthermore, al Charaa emphasized the necessity to review and possibly revise Resolution 2254 in light of the transformative events occurring within the country.
As the EU engages in dialogue with Syria’s new leaders, the path forward remains uncertain yet filled with cautious optimism. The coming weeks will be critical in assessing the intentions behind the new government’s policies and whether they will lead to a stable, peaceful Syria that has eluded the nation for over a decade of conflict.
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