Roj Bash Kurdistan

Syrian rebel groups dissolve

merge under Defense Ministry

“A meeting of the heads of the groups with the head of the new Syrian administration, Ahmed al-Sharaa, ended in an agreement on the dissolution of all the groups and their integration under the supervision of the ministry of defense.”

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24)- On Tuesday, the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported that armed factions agreed to dissolve themselves and merge under the umbrella of the Ministry of Defense.

This decision was made following a meeting between the leaders of rebel groups and the head of the new administration in Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa.

SANA, which has been publishing news based on the military operations room and sources affiliated with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, reported: “A meeting of the heads of the groups with the head of the new Syrian administration, Ahmed al-Sharaa, ended in an agreement on the dissolution of all the groups and their integration under the supervision of the ministry of defense.”

Riad Musa al-Asaad, the founder of the "Free Syrian Army, which is a big-tent collation of decentralized Syrian opposition rebel groups, stressed the necessity of the exit of the Kurdistan Workers' Party elements from Syria as soon as possible.

On Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, al-Asaad told Kurdistan24: “The armed factions agreed to hand over their weapons and join state institutions.”

He added: "The PKK elements must leave Syria and surrender their weapons. They have no place in Syria."

He continued: "No one is allowed to carry weapons outside the control of the state, and the Syrian Ministries of Defense and Interior are the only two parties that have the right to possess weapons."

The Commander-in-Chief of the new administration in Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and the Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, insisted that there can be no armed forces outside the framework of the Syrian state, referring to the armed factions and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

This came during a joint press conference, following the meeting between Fidan and al-Sharaa in Damascus, where al-Sharaa said: “I discussed with the Turkish Foreign Minister strengthening the next government and restricting weapons to the state.”

For his part, the Turkish Foreign Minister said, "We will help Syria and build strategic relations with Ankara that are worthy of the future of the region."

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/81 ... e-ministry

Kurdish forces cannot shelter in Syria

In a phone call on Saturday, Turkey’s foreign minister reiterated to his American counterpart Ankara’s opposition to Kurdish forces in northern Syria

“The terrorist organization PKK/YPG cannot be allowed to take shelter in Syria,” Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Anadolu Agency reported.

The YPG (People’s Protection Units) is an armed Kurdish force in northeast Syria that Ankara claims is part of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which is named a terrorist organization by Turkey and the US. The YPG is the backbone of the US-allied Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the war against the Islamic State (ISIS). Ankara has long been unhappy with Washington’s support for the SDF.

The foreign ministers were discussing recent developments in Syria where a transitional government has been established as the country comes out of decades of dictatorship.

“Turkey supports the efforts of the new Syrian administration to ensure the territorial integrity and security of the country,” Fidan said.

A statement from the US Department of State on their phone call does not mention the Kurdish forces, but said Blinken emphasized “the need to support a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process” and “an inclusive and representative government.”

Blinken was expected to have “some very difficult conversations” in Ankara about Syrian National Army (SNA) attacks on areas under the control of the US-backed SDF in northern Syria (Rojava), former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Jennifer Gavito told Rudaw earlier this month.

The SNA are a group of Syrian militias backed by Turkey. They are currently trying to seize control of a dam on the Euphrates River from Kurdish forces and are threatening the town of Kobane.

Blinken visited Ankara two weeks ago. Fidan said they discussed “what would be done for terrorists - DAESH [ISIS] and PKK - taking action to prevent them from abusing the situation” in Syria.

Blinken said they discussed an interim government for Syria, one that is “inclusive and non-sectarian, one that protects the rights or minorities and women, …one that deals with any chemical weapons it may find to secure them and appropriately destroy them, one that rejects any alliances with extremist groups, and of course, one that does not pose any kind of threat to any of Syria’s neighbors.”

https://www.rudaw.net/english/world/281220243

Jolani: Timeline for Elections and Inclusion of Kurds

Syria’s de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (Abu Mohammed al-Jolani) announced on Sunday that it could take up to four years to hold elections following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, citing the need for a population census and drafting a new constitution

Speaking to Saudi broadcasters Al-Arabiya and Al-Hadath, Jolani emphasized that “any valid elections will require a comprehensive population census” and added that drafting a new constitution may take up to three years.

The transitional government, led by the HTS-appointed interim prime minister Mohamed al-Bashir, is expected to oversee this process until March. Bashir’s administration, composed largely of former HTS-affiliated officials, has pledged to dissolve armed factions, including HTS, into state-controlled entities.

Jolani addressed concerns over HTS’s dominance in the transitional government, stating that the current appointments were a “necessity of the stage” to avoid destabilizing the process.

Efforts to unify Syria’s fractured military forces include ongoing negotiations with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which control much of the northeast. Jolani announced that the Ministry of Defense will incorporate Kurdish forces, signaling a significant step toward reconciliation. SDF leader Mazloum Abdi has expressed willingness to merge into the national security structure under agreed terms.

International actors, including Germany, have expressed support for the new administration. Germany’s envoy to Syria, Stefan Schneck, recently stated Berlin’s readiness to assist in forming a unified military structure.

Hadi al-Bahra, head of the Syrian National Coalition, proposed a shorter 18-month timeline for political transition, including drafting a new constitution within six months.

The transitional government plans to hold a National Dialogue Conference, involving opposition figures, ethnic and religious leaders, and non-military Assad regime officials. The conference is expected to dissolve Syria’s old parliament and constitution while establishing an advisory council to guide the transition.

His remarks underscore the complexity of rebuilding Syria’s political landscape while balancing the interests of diverse factions and international stakeholders in the post-Assad era.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/870852

Female Central Bank Governor

The appointment signifies a milestone for female representation in the financial sector of Syria's new political landscape

Erbil (Kurdistan24) – On Monday, Syria's New Administration Commander Ahmed Al-Shara appointed Dr. Maysaa Sabrine as the head of Syria's Central Bank.

The appointment signifies a milestone for female representation in the financial sector of Syria's new political landscape.

Dr. Sabrine brings significant expertise to the role, holding both master's and doctoral degrees in accounting.

Her appointment follows a notable career trajectory within Syria's financial sector, including serving as the First Deputy Governor of the Central Bank since Oct. 2018.

Her professional background includes serving as the head of the Central Bank's supervision department in Jan. 2018 and holding a position on the board of directors of the Damascus Stock Exchange.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/81 ... k-governor

New school curriculum sparks concern

There is concern growing in Syria that the new Islamist-led authorities have already decided on changes to the school curriculum, without the input of the rest of society

The Facebook page of the transitional government's education ministry has posted the new curriculum for all age groups, which will take on a more Islamic slant, as well as dropping any reference to the Assad era across all subjects.

The phrase "Defending the nation" has been replaced by "Defending Allah", among other changes.

The Education Minister, Nazir al-Qadri, downplayed the move, saying the curriculum is essentially unchanged and will remain so until specialised committees have been set up to review and revise it.

Other proposed changes include Evolution and the Big Bang theory being dropped from science teaching.

References to the gods worshipped in Syria before Islam, as well as images of their statues, are also being dropped.

The significance of the great Syrian heroine Queen Zenobia, who once ruled Palmyra in the Roman era, seems to have been downplayed

The Assad era has essentially been excised from the curriculum, including poems celebrating both Bashar al-Assad and his father, Hafez, in Arabic language courses.

In a statement, al-Qadri said the only instructions he had issued were related to the removal of content that he described as glorifying the "defunct Assad regime" and the instatement of the Syrian revolutionary flag in all textbooks.

The minister also said that "inaccuracies" in the Islamic education curriculum had been corrected.

The education minister said the curriculum would remain essentially unchanged until specialised committees had reviewed it

The changes have been welcomed by some Syrians.

But the move has set off alarm bells among resurgent civil society activists, many of whom have returned to Syria for the first time in many years.

They fear it is a sign that their voices - and those of groups and communities across the country - may not be listened to as the country develops under its new leadership.

There have already been calls for protests ahead of the start of the new school term on Sunday.

Activists want to make clear their opposition to any moves by the transitional government to bring in changes to the education system - or any other state institution - without the participation of all sections of Syrian society.

The new authorities have made much of the fact that they are to hold a National Dialogue Conference.

Officials have been holding meetings with many different communities - from Christians to Kurds, to artists and intellectuals.

The message has been that they want to create a new Syria with the involvement of all sections of society so that all will have a stake in the country's future.

But activists believe the unilateral changes in the school curriculum undercut such promises and want to make a stand right from the start for the values of freedom and inclusion that the removal of Bashar al-Assad has now made possible.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1ln12056ppo

Ministers Meet Syria's New Leader

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock arrived in Damascus on Friday, marking the first high-level European diplomatic visit to Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December 2024

The ministers are scheduled to meet with Ahmed al-Sharaa, Commander-in-Chief of Syria's new administration and former leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the group that spearheaded the overthrow of Assad. The visit reflects cautious European engagement with Syria's new Islamist-led government amid growing security concerns.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Baerbock stressed Germany's support for rebuilding Syria as a "sovereign, stable, and inclusive state." She urged the administration to prioritize democratic reforms, avoid reprisals against minority groups, and preserve secular education and judicial systems.

Barrot, addressing the challenges of Syria’s transition, expressed hope for peace while noting the fragility of the current political landscape. Both ministers highlighted concerns over recent Islamist-led amendments to the educational curriculum and cultural content, which have drawn criticism from international observers.

Meanwhile, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov warned of the potential resurgence of Islamic State (ISIS) during Syria's transition. Speaking to Russian media, Ryabkov said the collapse of Assad-controlled prisons has enabled ISIS sleeper cells to reemerge in at least 14 regions, including areas near the Iraqi border.

The visit by Baerbock and Barrot underscores the European Union’s careful approach to Syria, encouraging inclusive governance while balancing concerns over Islamist influence. This diplomatic engagement highlights both the potential and the fragility of Syria’s post-Assad transition.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/871162

Question: will the new government be able to incorporate and/or control ISIS?

No Place for PKK, ISIS, or IRGC in Syria

Former US Special Envoy to Syria James Jeffrey stated in an interview with Al-Jazeera News that the newly established Syria will have no place for groups like the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), the Islamic State (ISIS), or Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)

During the interview, Jeffrey emphasized that the US troop presence in Kobani is tactical and contingent upon the Syrian government’s ability to address the threat of ISIS. “If the US sees Damascus capable of handling ISIS effectively, it will withdraw its forces from the region,” Jeffrey said.

Commenting on Syria’s stability, Jeffrey reiterated that the new Syria must be free from destabilizing forces. “There is no room for the PKK, ISIS, or IRGC in a secure and peaceful Syria,” he added.

The US currently has around 900 troops stationed in northern and eastern Syria, primarily supporting the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in counter-ISIS operations. The SDF, a key ally in the fight against ISIS, controls much of Western Kurdistan (Rojava Kurdistani) under the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES).

The US presence in Kobani and other areas has played a pivotal role in preventing the resurgence of ISIS while also serving as a counterbalance to Iranian influence and Turkish-backed militias. However, Washington has faced pressure from regional powers and internal political debates about the long-term necessity of its involvement in Syria.

Jeffrey’s comments come amid a rapidly evolving political landscape in Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The new government, led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its allies, has begun negotiations with international actors to secure recognition and aid while addressing internal divisions and armed groups operating in the region.

The PKK, considered a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and the European Union, remains a contentious issue in northern Syria. Turkey has repeatedly targeted PKK-affiliated groups, including elements within the SDF, citing national security concerns.

The US has maintained a careful balance in supporting the SDF while distancing itself from PKK activities. Jeffrey’s statement aligns with Washington’s stance of not allowing the PKK to gain a foothold in Syria’s political or security structures.

While ISIS has been territorially defeated, its sleeper cells continue to operate in Syria and Iraq, exploiting security gaps and the region’s complex terrain. Similarly, Iran’s IRGC-backed militias have expanded their influence across Syria, posing additional challenges to stability.

Jeffrey’s remarks underline the importance of a cohesive and inclusive political solution in Syria while maintaining international pressure to ensure that extremist and destabilizing forces do not find refuge in the post-Assad era. The US remains committed to supporting counter-terrorism efforts and fostering a stable transition for Syria.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/871298

Envoy said Kurds must be protected

Donald Trump’s pick for deputy presidential envoy to the Middle East is a former State Department spokesperson who had called for the protection of Syrian Kurds

“I am honored that President Trump appointed me to the role of Deputy Presidential Envoy to the Middle East, under my dear friend Steve Witkoff,” Morgan Ortagus said in a post on X early Saturday.

President-elect Trump will be inaugurated on January 20. He announced Ortagus’ nomination on Friday.

“To be given the opportunity to once again represent my country and the Trump Administration in a crucial diplomatic role is a dream come true. The most important thing is that through President Trump, we bring peace and stability to a troubled region, and I'm grateful to play a small role in that endeavor,” said Ortagus, who served as State Department spokesperson during Trump’s first term.

Days after Bashar al-Assad’s regime was toppled by a coalition of rebel groups spearheaded by the Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) last month, Ortagus told Bloomberg that the United States should protect Syrian Kurds

“The great threat from Syria is that the new vacuum will be filled by a resurgence of ISIS,” she said, referring to the Islamic State group that seized control of swathes of Syrian and Iraqi land in 2014 but was territoriality defeated by 2019.

“Our leaders need to ensure the Kurds are protected and that terrorists can't exploit this chaos with a jailbreak,” said Ortagus.

The Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), who control most of Western Kurdistan (Rojava Kurdistani), have been the main partners of the US-led global coalition against ISIS on the ground. They are holding thousands of ISIS jihadists and their family members in jails and camps.

Ortagus will be deputy to real estate tycoon Steve Witkoff, who has been named special presidential envoy to the Middle East.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/04012025

Christian party wants secular Syrian government

Christian political parties want Syria to be a secular state, a politician told Rudaw on Saturday

Sanharib Barsoum, co-chair of the Syriac Union Party, said his party and the Assyrian Democratic Organization have been working together for three years to formulate a united position and have focused on key political and national principles.

“Our vision focuses on the most important political principles at the national level. First, the state must be decentralized. We have rejected tribal and centralized state rule and we strive for a secular and civil state,” he said.

There are concerns especially among minorities about what the future Syrian state will look like as the new authorities in Damascus have their roots in Islamic jihad.

Barsoum said the Christian parties have not had any direct meetings with the de facto leader of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, better known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani.

“However, there is a plan for a joint delegation of these parties to jointly visit Damascus and visit the Sharaa administration,” he added.

Meeting will take place next week

The Syriac Union Party is affiliated with the Kurdish administration in Western Kurdistan (Rojava Kurdistani). It holds three seats in the Rojava Kurdistani government and has its own police force named Sutoro (security in Syriac).

The number of Christians in Syria has significantly dwindled since the start of the civil war over a decade ago. Attacks by the Islamic State (ISIS) and Turkish-backed militants have helped to push the community to the brink of extinction.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot in his visit to Syria on Friday met with Christian religious leaders in Damascus.

Barsoum said it was good that Barrot met with them. “France always supports Christians,” he said.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeas ... /040120252

France supports Kurds in Syria governance

A French Senator on Saturday told Rudaw his country supports the integration of Kurds in the new Syria’s governance, calling for measures to prevent attacks against them with Paris an active member of the US-led coalition against the Islamic State (ISIS) in Western Kurdistan (Rojava Kurdistani)

“There have also been military victories by the Syrian Democratic Forces [SDF] that demonstrate both their competence and the international support they receive. This support must be clearly affirmed, as it is today, to ensure that the authorities in Damascus politically integrate Western Kurdistan into Syria's reconstruction,” Senator Remi Feraud told Rudaw on Saturday.

Feruad emphasized the importance of other ethnic minorities' integration into the government, such as Christians.

“There is already concrete French support through official or semi-official presence in Western Kurdistan. The US military presence has also been strengthened, and relocated, and has been decisive in preventing Turkey from taking action, particularly against Kobane,” he added.

France is an active member of the coalition and has troops in Western Kurdistan, alongside the US. It has also recently joined Americans in their efforts to unite Syrian Kurds through intra-Kurdish talks that have been stalled for years.

Feraud emphasized that despite the "mistrust" they have, they are willing to establish ties with the new Syrian authorities.

The interview followed a day after the foreign ministers of France and Germany visited Damascus for talks with Syria’s de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa.

“France marking its presence and its determination to support the Kurds and the Syrian Democratic Forces in Western Kurdistan is essential,” Feraud said.

On Friday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot reiterated France’s alliance with Kurdish fighters in the war against ISIS.

The Kurdish-led SDF control most of northeast Syria. They are the main allies of the United States-led global coalition against the Islamic State (ISIS).

https://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeas ... /050120252

Federalism a red line for Syria

Any proposal related to federalism or decentralization is a red line for Syria’s unity and stability and will be rejected by the new administration, a military leader in the new Syrian administration said on Sunday, opposing calls from the country’s ethnic groups

“We will not allow any federalism or any decentralized rule, and legitimize any solution based on ethnic, racial, or religious dimensions. This is a red line for all Syrians, and we hope that all other components will rise to the responsibility and contribute to building their country,” Ahmed al-Dalati, a leader in Syria’s Military Operations Command and deputy commander-in-chief of Ahrar al-Sham, told Rudaw’s Nalin Hassan.

While accusing the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) of being linked to external agendas Dalati said that the SDF has yet to deliver a favorable position on the formation of the new Syrian administration and must first reconsider its goals.

“We told them: End your connection to foreign agendas and abandon calls for the establishment of an Independent Kurdish state or a federal government. These political are a red line for all Syrians and threaten regional security,” he stated about their demands to the Kurdish-led administration in Western Kurdistan.

He defended the opposition to federalism by Damascus under the pretext that it would encourage sedition and cause foreign powers to interfere in Syrian affairs.

“They will have the same rights as any Syrian, and they will have the same duties as any Syrian through law, and through the constitution that will be discussed and approved by the Syrian people,” Dalati said about Syrian Kurds.

But many Syrians and foreign powers are worried that the Islamist Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) may impose strict Islamic rule and threaten minority groups such as Kurds, Druze, Christians, and Alawites.

After a coalition led by HTS overthrew Bashar al-Assad’s regime, they formed a transitional government headed by Ahmad al-Sharaa (Abu Mohammed al-Jolani) who has repeatedly stated that the rights of all components will be protected under the new government.

The SDF have expressed its readiness to be merged into Syria’s new security apparatus.

SDF chief Mazloum Abdi told Asharq Al-Awsat in a recent interview that they are willing to merge the SDF into the new Syrian army if both sides agree on a “suitable formula through negotiations.”

Sharaa and a top SDF delegation met last week to discuss the future of their relations and Western Kurdistan.

On Wednesday, Druze militias in the southern Suwayda province forced a HTS-led military convoy to return back to Damascus without entering the province. The Druze defended their actions on a lack of prior coordination.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeas ... /050120253

Syria announces 400% pay hike

The salary adjustment follows a thorough review of the public sector workforce, which includes around 1.3 million employees

Syria's Finance Minister Mohammed Abazeed announced on Sunday that public sector employees will see their salaries increase by 400% starting next month.

The move comes as part of an effort to stabilize the country's fragile economy following over a decade of war and sanctions.

The planned salary hike, expected to cost approximately 1.65 trillion Syrian pounds ($127 million), will be funded through a combination of existing state resources, regional support, new investments, and efforts to reclaim Syrian assets currently frozen abroad.

Speaking to Reuters on Sunday, Abazeed described the increase as "the first step toward an emergency solution to the economic reality in the country."

Reforms to address inefficiency

The salary adjustment follows a thorough review of the public sector workforce, which includes around 1.3 million employees.

The government plans to remove ghost workers and focus on retaining individuals with the skills and qualifications necessary for reconstruction.

Salaries under the previous administration were as low as $25 per month, leaving most Syrians below the poverty line, Abazeed noted.

This week, public sector staff are expected to receive their monthly wages as the government begins implementing its broader strategy to enhance efficiency and accountability within ministries.

Funding strategies

Syria's central bank is grappling with liquidity issues, as the majority of its reserves are in local currency, which has suffered significant devaluation.

Nevertheless, the finance minister expressed optimism, citing promises of support from regional and Arab countries.

He mentioned that forthcoming investments would bolster the state treasury, helping to finance the salary increases.

The government also aims to recover up to $400 million in frozen assets abroad to cover immediate expenditures.

Tax reform

In parallel with these measures, the government is planning a major overhaul of the tax system.

Abazeed stated that discussions are underway to exempt taxpayers from penalties and interest where possible, with the ultimate goal of creating a fairer tax system.

A draft proposal is expected within four months, and the government aims to have a finalized framework by the end of the year.

"By the end of this year, we expect having a well-designed tax system that takes the interests of all taxpayers into account," Abazeed said.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/Eco ... ployees-am

China’s role in post-Assad Syria:
Respecting the will of the Syrian people

As a major global power with a long-standing foreign policy principle of non-intervention, China’s response to the changes in Syria offers important insights into how Beijing views the future of the Syrian state

The fall of Bashar Al-Assad’s regime in December 2024 marks a historic turning point in Syria’s tortured 13-year civil war. As the long-standing rule of the al-Assad family comes to an end, the international community is left grappling with the question of what comes next for Syria—an important crossroads not just for Syrians, but for the broader Middle East and the world at large.

For many, this moment represents a chance for Syria to rebuild, to heal from the scars of conflict, and to create a government that reflects the will of its people. While the West, regional powers, and other actors in the Middle East will undoubtedly shape their policies around the evolving dynamics, one key player must be mindful of its role: China.

As a major global power with a long-standing foreign policy principle of non-intervention, China’s response to the changes in Syria offers important insights into how Beijing views the future of the Syrian state and its engagement with the region. In contrast to Western nations that have historically been involved in the Syrian conflict, either directly or through proxies, China’s stance will be based on its guiding foreign policy of respecting national sovereignty and allowing nations to determine their own paths without external interference.

Non-intervention: China’s core principle

China’s foreign policy has long emphasized respect for the sovereignty of other nations and a strong commitment to non-interference in internal affairs. This approach, enshrined in the “Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence” established in the 1950s, has remained a cornerstone of Chinese diplomacy. It is, therefore, not surprising that China has refrained from direct involvement in Syria’s civil war, preferring to offer diplomatic support while maintaining a distance from the military confrontations that have consumed the region.

The fundamental belief that the people of Syria should have the primary agency in determining their future aligns with China’s broader worldview, where decisions about governance and leadership should be made domestically, not imposed externally. China’s diplomatic support for Syria has focused largely on defending the territorial integrity of the Syrian state, advocating for peace, and encouraging dialogue between all domestic parties. In this context, China’s approach to post-Assad Syria will likely be centered around respecting the Syrian people’s right to shape their future, without meddling in the nation’s political decisions.

China’s economic, strategic interests

While non-intervention will define China’s political stance, the economic stakes are also significant. Syria’s reconstruction after the war will require vast investments, and China stands to benefit by participating in this rebuilding process. As part of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has already increased its engagement with countries across the Middle East, and Syria presents an opportunity for Beijing to further cement its role as a key player in the region’s economic revitalization.

The scale of Syria’s reconstruction efforts will be immense, with major infrastructure projects, the revitalization of energy sectors, and the provision of humanitarian aid all requiring substantial investments. China’s vast resources, its experience in large-scale construction projects, and its willingness to engage in long-term partnerships make it a natural candidate to play a leading role in rebuilding Syria. However, this engagement will be rooted in a pragmatic respect for Syrian sovereignty. China will not impose a political solution or seek to influence the political makeup of the new government, but it will certainly play a critical role in shaping Syria’s economic future.

Challenge of political transition

As Syria embarks on a new chapter, the political transition will be crucial. This process will inevitably be challenging, given the complexities of the country’s diverse population, the existence of various armed factions, and the historical grievances that have led to years of conflict. The presence of Islamist, Kurdish, and Arab nationalist groups in Syria’s political landscape suggests that any new government will require significant negotiation and compromise.

For China, the path forward will be to engage with whatever government emerges from this transition, provided that it reflects the will of the Syrian people. Beijing will not impose its views on Syria’s internal political process, but it will encourage stability, dialogue, and unity among all factions, offering support for a future government that upholds Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

China’s position on Syria will also be influenced by its broader strategic objectives in the Middle East. China positions itself as a neutral partner for countries seeking economic development and geopolitical stability. The Chinese model of governance, which emphasizes economic pragmatism over ideological imposition, will appeal to many nations in the region, especially as they seek to rebuild after years of conflict.

A future of diplomacy, cooperation

China’s non-interventionist policy, combined with its economic resources and diplomatic influence, positions it as an important player in Syria’s post-Assad future. However, it is unlikely that Beijing will seek to shape Syria’s political future directly. Instead, China will continue to advocate for dialogue, reconstruction, and respect for Syria’s territorial integrity.

For Syrians, this may be a moment of newfound hope. As they rebuild their nation, they will have the opportunity to shape their future free from foreign domination. For China, the opportunity to contribute to Syria’s recovery—through investment, infrastructure development, and economic partnerships—represents both a moral commitment to its core foreign policy principles and a strategic interest in stabilizing a region that has long been a source of geopolitical volatility.

In the end, China’s approach to post-Assad Syria is a reflection of its broader foreign policy ethos—one that respects the right of nations to govern themselves and supports efforts to rebuild and recover. As Syria enters this new chapter, it will be up to the Syrian people to determine their future. China, for its part, will stand by their right to choose, offering its expertise and assistance in rebuilding the country while avoiding the pitfalls of interventionism. In doing so, it will demonstrate the relevance and wisdom of its longstanding commitment to non-interference and respect for sovereignty.

https://english.almayadeen.net/articles ... ill-of-the

Shame US does not believe in non-intervention

US eases aid restriction on Syria

The US has expanded authorizations for humanitarian transactions and activities in Syria following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime to increase aid in the war-torn country while maintaining sanctions, the US Department announced on Monday

“This action underscores the United States’ commitment to ensuring that U.S. sanctions do not impede activities to meet basic human needs, including the provision of public services or humanitarian assistance,” read a statement from the department, adding that the authorization is for six months as the US continues to monitor the situation on the ground.

The Biden administration approved this authorization over the weekend, which shows goodwill to the new Syrian administration led by the Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), reported Reuters earlier on Monday.

“The end of Bashar al-Assad’s brutal and repressive rule, backed by Russia and Iran, provides a unique opportunity for Syria and its people to rebuild,” Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo was cited in the statement as saying.

“During this period of transition, the Treasury will continue to support humanitarian assistance and responsible governance in Syria,” he noted.

HTS is the successor of the al-Nusra Front and has its roots in al-Qaeda’s Syrian branch. It had long controlled a rebel enclave in the northwestern province of Idlib and has been internationally designated as a terrorist organization

The group led a blistering offensive against the Assad regime in late November, securing major cities on the road to Damascus before taking the capital on December 8 as Assad fled the country, ending over five decades of Baathist rule.

US diplomats have been in contact with HTS in an attempt to keep US leverage in the region while countering terrorism and helping Syria build an inclusive government.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeas ... /060120253

International Flight Lands in Damascus

The first international commercial flight since the ousting of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad landed at Damascus International Airport on Tuesday, marking a key step in Syria’s re-engagement with the global community

The renewed air connections follow last month’s rebel offensive that unseated Assad and brought a new administration led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) to power. Since then, several Arab and Western nations have re-established diplomatic ties with Syria’s new leadership.

The Qatar Airways flight arrived from Doha, greeted by jubilant relatives and friends awaiting passengers at the terminal.

Meanwhile, Jordan’s Royal Jordanian Airlines conducted a test flight to Damascus to evaluate the airport’s technical readiness for regular operations. Haitham Misto, head of the Jordanian Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission, said the assessment was part of efforts to resume flights between the two countries.

Syria’s Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shibani, has been actively fostering regional partnerships. After visiting Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE to discuss reconstruction and cooperation, he met with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman al-Safadi in Amman on Tuesday. Talks focused on enhancing collaboration in border security, trade, energy, and reconstruction efforts.

Under Assad’s regime, Syria had become a center for the illicit Captagon trade, straining its relations with neighbors like Jordan. Al-Shibani announced the dismantling of Captagon production facilities, pledging an end to drug trafficking. Jordan welcomed the move, with Al-Safadi affirming his country’s support for Syria’s reconstruction and readiness to supply electricity and gas.

As the new administration grapples with severe Western sanctions and an ongoing economic crisis, it faces mounting challenges, including widespread power shortages that limit electricity to just a few hours daily. The renewed ties and international support offer hope for alleviating these issues as Syria embarks on its rebuilding journey.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/871588