Top diplomats from the United States, the Arab League, and Turkey are currently gathering in Jordan to discuss how to support Syria’s future following the recent fall of Bashar Assad’s government. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is attending these discussions alongside foreign ministers and senior officials from the European Union and the United Nations. Notably, there are no representatives from Syria participating in these talks.
The end of the Assad family’s long-standing rule has raised concerns about potential instability in a region already facing challenges, particularly due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, as well as tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon despite a fragile ceasefire.
The U.S. is also focused on pushing for a ceasefire in Gaza, where the war has created a dire humanitarian situation for over 2 million Palestinians. Reports indicate a significant number of casualties as a result of the fighting.
In recent events, a Palestinian health ministry in Gaza reported that at least 10 individuals were killed during an Israeli airstrike that targeted a municipal meeting in Deir al-Balah. Among the victims were a mother and her young daughter, along with the local municipality head.
On the diplomatic front, Turkey has reopened its embassy in Syria, marking it as the first country to do so since the end of Assad’s rule. This significant step restores diplomatic relations that were halted during the Syrian civil war.
As U.S. Secretary of State Blinken concludes his regional tour, he has emphasized that there seems to be a broad agreement among regional partners that Syria’s new government should be inclusive and uphold the rights of women and minorities, while firmly opposing terrorism and ensuring they eliminate any chemical weapons from the Assad era.
In remarks made during his visit, Blinken expressed the importance of a Syrian-led transition with the United Nations playing a vital role, particularly in providing assistance and protecting minority groups. The Jordanian Foreign Ministry stated that the discussions would aim to foster a political process led by Syrians to achieve a stable and united Syria, ensuring the rights of all its citizens are maintained.
