In a bold step towards reshaping Syria’s future, Turkey has announced plans to reopen its embassy in Damascus this Saturday, marking the end of a 12-year diplomatic hiatus. This comes almost a week after Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was toppled by forces supported by Turkey, an event that has sparked both celebrations and uncertainty across the region.
The decision to re-establish diplomatic ties is happening alongside high-level talks in Jordan, where diplomats from the Middle East, Europe, and the United States are meeting to discuss Syria’s future. The timing is significant, as Syrians have been celebrating what they see as the end of a brutal regime, with fireworks lighting up the skies in cities like Damascus, Homs, and Idlib.
Turkey’s Role in Syria’s Conflict
Turkey has played a pivotal role in the Syrian conflict, exerting influence over the northwest of the country, funding various rebel groups, and even collaborating with Islamist factions like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). These groups were instrumental in the offensive that led to Assad’s ouster.
Turkey’s Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, confirmed that Burhan Koroglu, Turkey’s new charge d’affaires, left for Syria on Friday, with plans to have the embassy operational by Saturday. Fidan also explained that Turkey worked to prevent Russia and Iran, Assad’s key backers, from intervening militarily during the final offensive. “We spoke to the Russians and Iranians to ensure they didn’t escalate the situation,” Fidan shared in an interview.
Meanwhile, diplomats from the European Union, the United States, and other Arab nations have gathered in Jordan’s Aqaba to discuss how to move forward in Syria. UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, urged for humanitarian aid and the stabilization of Syria’s state institutions to prevent further collapse.
Syrians Celebrate the End of Assad’s Rule
For many Syrians, Assad’s fall is a dream come true. On the streets of Damascus, Homs, and Aleppo, people erupted in celebration, waving flags and lighting fireworks. For some, it’s a moment of personal relief. Ahmad Abd al-Majed, an engineer who returned from Turkey, reflected on the significance of the moment: “Syrians deserve to be happy.” In Sweida, a Druze stronghold in southern Syria, Bayan al-Hinnawi, 77, could hardly believe his eyes. “It’s a wonderful sight,” he said, having spent 17 years imprisoned under Assad’s regime.
The fall of Assad has come at the hands of several rebel factions, including HTS, a group linked to Al-Qaeda. While the group has tried to soften its image over the years, their rise to power raises questions about Syria’s future leadership. Despite this, the interim government has promised to protect the rights of all Syrians and uphold the rule of law.
The Struggles Continue: A Nation Rebuilding
Despite the jubilation, the road ahead for Syria remains uncertain. The country has endured nearly 14 years of war, with over 500,000 lives lost and millions more displaced. The scars of war run deep, and for many, the pain of losing loved ones remains a raw wound. The International Committee of the Red Cross reports over 35,000 documented disappearances during Assad’s reign, with many families still searching for answers.
To aid in the recovery, the European Union has launched an “air bridge” operation to deliver vital medical supplies to Syria, with 50 tonnes of health supplies sent from Turkey to help those in need.
Ongoing Military Tensions
Even as Assad’s regime crumbles, military strikes continue to rattle Syria. Israel has carried out airstrikes targeting Assad’s remaining military assets, including a scientific institute in northern Damascus. These attacks are part of Israel’s broader strategy to weaken the military infrastructure that supported Assad’s regime. Additionally, Israel has stationed troops in a UN-patrolled buffer zone along the Golan Heights, marking a significant escalation in tensions.
Looking to the Future
As Syrians embrace the possibility of a new chapter, the international community remains focused on ensuring a peaceful and stable future for the country. The European Union is working to establish contact with the new Syrian leadership, while discussions about rebuilding the country, addressing the needs of displaced citizens, and ensuring human rights for all continue.
For many Syrians, the hope is that after years of suffering, peace may finally be within reach. But as the country navigates this pivotal moment in history, the challenges of rebuilding a nation torn apart by war will not be easy. The road ahead is long, but for the first time in years, Syria’s people are allowing themselves to dream of a better future.
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