Saudi Delegation Meets 'Ahmad al-Shareh' New Syrian Leader in Damascus

A Saudi delegation recently met with Syria's new leader, Ahmad al-Shareh, marking significant diplomatic engagement amid Syria's political turmoil. Discussions centered on Syria's situation and the illegal captagon trade. This meeting signals a possible shift in regional dynamics, with broader implications for Syria's future relations and stability in the Middle East.

Saudi Delegation Meets  'Ahmad al-Shareh' New Syrian Leader in Damascus
Ahmad al-Shareh

In a significant diplomatic development, a high-ranking Saudi delegation has held talks with Ahmad al-Shareh, the new leader of Syria, in Damascus. This marks the first official contact between Saudi Arabia and the new Syrian administration following recent political upheavals in the country.

Key Points of the Meeting

The meeting, which took place on Sunday, focused on two primary issues:

  1. The current situation in Syria
  2. Efforts to eradicate illegal trade of captagon

Captagon, an amphetamine derivative, has been a major concern for Saudi Arabia, which has been a key market for this illicit substance.

Background of Recent Events

The meeting comes in the wake of dramatic changes in Syria's political landscape:

  • Two weeks ago, a rebel coalition led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) entered Damascus
  • The rebels announced the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime
  • This followed an eleven-day offensive that saw the rebels seize control of a large part of the country

Saudi Arabia's Stance

Saudi Arabia has been closely monitoring the situation in Syria:

  • In early December, the kingdom called for concerted efforts to prevent Syria from falling into "chaos and division" after Assad's fall
  • Previously, Saudi Arabia had supported Syrian rebel groups and closed its embassy in Damascus in 2012
  • More recently, Riyadh had restored ties with Damascus and reopened its diplomatic mission in the Syrian capital

HTS and International Perceptions

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, formerly the Syrian branch of Al-Qaeda, claims to have distanced itself from jihadism. However, several Western capitals still classify the group as a "terrorist" organization.

Implications for Regional Dynamics

This meeting signifies a potential shift in regional dynamics and could have far-reaching implications for Syria's future and its relationships with neighboring countries. As the situation continues to evolve, the international community will be watching closely to see how these new developments unfold.