Syria’s reintegration into the Middle East is underway

For more than a decade, Syria was isolated from the Arab world and the regional political landscape. Following former President Bashar Assad’s brutal response to the 2011 Arab uprisings, the Arab League suspended Syria’s membership. Over the years, Western and Arab sanctions on the country tightened, putting it in an economic quagmire. Yet, Assad’s regime survived — largely due to support from Russia and Iran — and various political and military attempts to overthrow him failed. Assad also led Syria’s reintegration into the Arab League in 2023.

Given the extent of the resilience of Assad’s regime, his ouster in an abrupt offensive led by Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham late last year perplexed the international community. In early December, his regime collapsed and set into motion a political trajectory whose implications for Syria and the wider region remain to be seen.

Ahmad Al-Sharaa took over as the Syrian Arab Republic’s interim president. Since his assent to power, he has embarked on a series of diplomatic visits to Gulf leaders, underscoring his effort to strategically reposition Syria within the Arab world. Notably, Al-Sharaa’s first visit was to Riyadh, where he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This move was no coincidence — Al-Sharaa recognizes Saudi Arabia’s influence over and centrality to regional politics, as well as its role in financing Syria’s reconstruction.

In parallel, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani last month became the first head of state to visit Damascus since Assad’s fall. Doha also hosted Syria’s new Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani, who emphasized that the new Damascus administration would pursue foreign policies distinct from those of the previous regime.

The UAE seems to be taking a more cautious stance. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the Emirati president, raised concerns regarding HTS given its perceived links to Al-Qaeda and the Muslim Brotherhood. Despite the UAE’s caution, the country has shown its support for Syria’s reintegration into the Arab world. President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan recently spoke with Al-Sharaa, discussing ways to enhance bilateral ties and reaffirming Emirati support for Syria’s independence and territorial sovereignty.

After his visit to Saudi Arabia, Al-Sharaa headed to Turkiye to meet President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The two leaders discussed security cooperation, with a particular focus on Kurdish fighters in northeastern Syria, and regional instability. Turkiye’s primary concern remains the disbandment of the Syrian Democratic Forces, which Ankara views as an extension of the PKK. Al-Sharaa’s leadership of and alignment with anti-Assad forces position him as a strong ally for Turkiye, which supported opposition groups aiming to overthrow Assad’s regime.

Al-Sharaa has embarked on a series of visits, underscoring his effort to strategically reposition Syria within the Arab world

Zaid M. Belbagi

Syria’s relationship with Lebanon was, until recently, characterized by hostility and distrust. Years of tensions, largely fueled by Hezbollah’s close ties to Iran and its role in propping up the Assad regime during the Syrian civil war, further deepened the divide. The Lebanese-Syrian border became a hub for illicit trade, notably the smuggling of captagon, and the Syrian refugee crisis exacerbated political instability in Lebanon. However, under Al-Sharaa’s leadership, a shift is underway.

In a historic meeting, then-interim Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati last month visited Damascus — the first such visit since the outbreak of the civil war in 2011. Al-Sharaa stated: “There will be long-term strategic relations between us and Lebanon. We and Lebanon have great shared interests.” The two leaders agreed on the formation of a joint committee tasked with delineating both land and maritime borders.

Similarly, under Assad’s leadership, Damascus played a destabilizing role in Iraq, particularly in the aftermath of the 2003 US invasion. The Syrian government was accused of allowing extremist fighters and insurgents to cross into Iraq. The situation became even more complicated with the emergence of Daesh, whose cross-border attacks heightened security concerns on both sides.

Al-Sharaa’s rise to power initially did little to ease tensions. Iraqi officials — especially those linked to Iran-backed factions — were wary of the new Syrian leadership’s links with extremist groups. Iraq responded by tightening border controls and maintaining a military presence. However, it gradually adjusted its stance, moving from outright hostility to a more pragmatic approach. Iraqi leaders have since emphasized respect for Syria’s sovereignty and stability, while recognizing the right of Syrians to determine their political future.

Syria stands at a defining moment in its history. After years of conflict and isolation, it is cautiously reemerging on the regional stage through diplomatic communication efforts. But the path forward remains uncertain. Al-Sharaa has made it clear that Syria’s transition will not be immediate, stating that presidential elections could take four to five years to materialize. These years will be challenging, not only for Syria but for the region as a whole.

With Al-Sharaa at the helm, Syria will reassess old foes and allies alike to build relationships that align with the current geopolitical realities in the Middle East. This revised calculation is also necessary at a time when Syria requires all the international support it can get for its reconstruction.

The flurry of diplomatic meetings within the first month of the new government indicates the willingness of regional partners to stabilize Syria, given its outsized impact on security and refugee movement in the region at a time when it is embroiled in conflict. Syria’s geopolitical weight is undeniable, as it shares borders with Turkiye, Lebanon, Iraq and Jordan — states that suffered the consequences of Assad’s policies and Syria’s prolonged instability.

Rebuilding Syria and fostering stability will require more than diplomatic statements and visits. The coming days and weeks will be defined by complex negotiations over territorial disputes, the establishment of political structures, the rebuilding of the Syrian economy, the fight against smuggling and the reintegration of Syrian refugees. Bilateral agreements, regional cooperation and economic assistance will be key to ensuring that Syria is not just reintegrated in the region but also transformed into a beacon of stability and growth.

• Zaid M. Belbagi is a political commentator and an adviser to private clients between London and the Gulf Cooperation Council. X: @Moulay_Zaid