Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani visited Syria, the first state leader to do so since Assad’s regime was overthrown last December. His visit coincides with the appointment of Ahmed Al-Sharaa as Syria’s interim president, with a focus on addressing challenges like international sanctions and Israeli occupation.
On Thursday, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, made a historic visit to Damascus, marking the first official visit by a head of state to Syria since the overthrow of the Assad regime last December. His arrival coincided with the recent announcement of Ahmed Al-Sharaa as the interim president of Syria, following the success of the Islamist group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, in ousting Assad. Upon his arrival, Al-Sharaa was present at the Damascus International Airport to welcome the Emir.
Ahead of the visit, Majed Al-Ansari, the spokesman for the Qatari foreign ministry, emphasized Qatar’s commitment to engage collaboratively with the new Syrian administration. He highlighted efforts to tackle various challenges, including addressing the Israeli occupation and pursuing the lifting of international sanctions imposed on Syria. Furthermore, the geopolitical circumstances have evolved since Israeli forces occupied a demilitarized zone in Golan Heights, forcibly displacing locals and establishing military presence on Syrian territory.
Qatar’s diplomatic stance towards Syria has undergone significant transformation since the onset of the Syrian uprising in 2011. Initially, Qatar played a supportive role for the Syrian opposition and severed ties with the Assad regime due to its brutal repression of dissent. Despite the regime’s apparent resurgence and reentry into the Arab League, Qatar refrained from normalizing relations with Assad until now.
Following Al-Sharaa’s ascension to the presidency, announcements were made regarding the formation of an interim legislature tasked with drafting a new constitution. There is an expectation for the dissolution of all armed factions involved in the uprising, incorporating them into the official state armed forces, reflecting a shift towards state cohesion in Syria.
The geopolitical landscape of Syria has dramatically transformed following the Syrian uprising that began in 2011. Qatar, initially a supporter of the opposition, severed ties with the Assad regime due to its violent crackdown on protests. The recent developments, especially after Assad’s overthrow, have permitted Qatar to reset its policy in Syria, coinciding with the emergence of a new leadership under Al-Sharaa. Additionally, the ongoing Israeli occupation of Syrian territories raises significant concerns regarding regional stability.
The visit of Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to Syria signifies a pivotal moment in the country’s political landscape following the overthrow of Assad. As Qatar seeks to strengthen its relationship with the new Syrian government, the implications of this engagement could lead to significant diplomatic shifts in the region, especially concerning the handling of international sanctions and the response to Israeli actions in the area.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
