Syria’s new foreign minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, visits the UAE for the first time amid regional tensions following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, reflecting the UAE’s cautious stance towards Syria’s new Islamist-aligned leadership.
Asaad al-Shaibani, Syria’s newly appointed foreign minister, has marked his first diplomatic visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as announced by the official state news agency SANA. He arrived on Monday alongside other high-ranking officials, including the defense minister, Murhaf Abu Qasra, and intelligence chief, Anas Khattab. Shaibani expressed his anticipation for developing constructive bilateral relations through a post on X as he touched down in the UAE. His visit comes on the heels of stops in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, positioning Syria’s new leadership in a complex landscape of regional dynamics following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad after more than a decade of civil conflict.
The context of this visit is pivotal, considering the shifting political alliances in the Middle East. Following the fall of Assad, the UAE’s sentiments have evolved, revealing skepticism towards the Islamist-affiliated new Syrian rulers. This unease is reflective of broader Arab concerns regarding political Islam’s influence, especially amid fears of heightened Turkish dominance in Syria, a nation long influenced by both Qatar and Turkey, which supported the opposition against Assad. Meanwhile, the UAE’s previous support for Assad during his regime complicates its current stance.
While Ankara maintains a cooperative relationship with Syrian rebels, including a strong link to the Ha’yat Tahrir al-Sham group (HTS), the UAE had favored reintegration efforts for Assad. The UAE’s current apprehension towards the emerging Syrian leadership could be indicative of long-standing regional tensions regarding governance, power dynamics, and the ideological lineages of ruling parties. Anwar Gargash, an adviser to the UAE president, highlighted these concerns last month, deeming the Islamist ties of Syria’s new leaders as “quite worrying.”
The geopolitical landscape in Syria is ever-changing, particularly following the recent upheaval that led to the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. The rise of Islamist-led rebels in Syria has introduced a new political paradigm, with nations grappling to align their foreign policies accordingly. The UAE has historically supported Assad, and its apprehension about the new Syrian government reflects broader anxieties regarding political Islam’s regional influence. Prior to this administration change, Turkey and Qatar were significant backers of the anti-Assad efforts, resulting in a diplomatic rift between these nations and the UAE, particularly as they adjust to the post-Assad political fullness in Syria.
In summary, the inaugural visit of Asaad al-Shaibani, Syria’s new foreign minister, to the UAE signifies a crucial moment in the diplomatic relations between Syria and its Gulf counterparts. Amid concerns about the new leadership’s Islamist affiliations and the potential for increased Turkish influence in Syria, this visit illustrates the cautious approach the UAE is adopting as it navigates the changing political landscapes. As regional powers reassess their strategies, the implications of this and similar visits will likely influence Syria’s path forward in the tumultuous dynamics of the Middle East.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
