The issue of "human rights and minorities," comprehensive and inclusive transition, and the security and stability of Syria may be the most prominent characteristics of the smoke bombs surrounding the visits made by Arab and international delegations to learn about the new administration and the legitimate leader, and to understand their political strategy. This is followed by statements and press conferences that are encouraging in some cases and awaited in most.

Syria is an important geopolitical pivot, forming the heart of the Arab Orient and its fertile crescent (currently distanced from the Shiite crescent). Its stability is a crucial factor for regional stability, balance, and its influence on the world. This largely explains the pilgrimage to Damascus and its motivations.

The "de-Islamization" of the new rule and its gradual transformation towards civil and democratic governance is the current wager, which enjoys a consensus, or near consensus, among the parties engaged in the political and diplomatic movement within and around Syria. This occurs alongside ensuring that Iran does not return to Syria in a direct or indirect way, while at the same time maintaining the Russian presence in the Hmeimim and Tartus bases, and European pressures to end that presence.

There are a number of specific interests to certain countries, most notably Turkey and considerations from other countries that need to be settled. The ongoing changes in Syria present a rare opportunity, as do the Gulf states and Jordan, which have suffered from arms and drug trafficking (of the defunct regime) that has become a threat to national and societal security.

The official Saudi position is promising, with direct statements respecting the choices of the Syrian people and providing political and diplomatic support through condemning Israeli interventions and assaults, pushing towards lifting American and European sanctions on Syria, and providing humanitarian assistance to the Syrian people through the "King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Works." This leaves no doubt about the positive strategy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in preventing a repeat of the Iraqi situation post-2003.

The Middle East has entered a new historical cycle for about 21 years, beginning with the initial rolling of the invasion of Iraq, transforming from an environment of (latent instability) to a state of (everyone against everyone). Historical cycles are logical, natural, and necessary; however, what is notable in this new historical cycle is its speed compared to the natural historical cycles the world and region have witnessed. Perhaps the reason is the efficiency and capabilities of the motivating tools for change and the inability of the (claiming power, stability, and influence).

The center of influence, weight, and impact in the Middle East and beyond has shifted to the Gulf region. Despite the role that resources play in Gulf countries, they have become a source of education and security regarding the crises and wars of the Middle East and a partner in technological structure, acting as a tool of influence, effect, training, and sustainability of resources.

In this context, an important meeting was held in Riyadh at the initiative and invitation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Sunday, January 12, 2025. It included foreign ministers and representatives from the United States, 19 Arab and European countries, the European Union, the Arab League, and Mr. Pedersen. 

The meeting discussed "steps to support the Syrian people and provide all assistance and support during this crucial stage of their history, and help them rebuild Syria as a unified, independent, and secure Arab state for all its citizens, where there is no place for terrorism, nor breaches of its sovereignty or attacks on its territorial integrity from any party. The attendees affirmed their support for a Syrian political transition that represents all Syrian political and social forces, preserving the rights of all Syrians with the participation of various components of the Syrian people. They also aimed to address any challenges or sources of concern for various parties through dialogue and providing support, advice, and counsel while respecting Syria's independence and sovereignty, taking into account that Syria's future is a matter for the Syrians, reiterating their support for the choices of the Syrian people and respecting their will."

The Saudi Foreign Minister stated that “the meeting aims to coordinate efforts to support Syria and seek to lift sanctions imposed on it, welcoming the decision of the United States and calling on international parties to lift unilateral and international sanctions imposed on Syria, and to urgently begin providing all forms of humanitarian, economic support, and capacity-building for the Syrian state, preparing the suitable environment for the return of Syrian refugees. He emphasized that the continuation of sanctions imposed on the previous Syrian regime will hinder the aspirations of the Syrian people to achieve development, reconstruction, and stability, expressing the Kingdom's appreciation for the countries that announced providing humanitarian and developmental assistance to the Syrian people.”

He praised the positive steps taken by the new Syrian administration in preserving state institutions, adopting a dialogue approach with the Syrian parties, its commitment to combating terrorism, and its announcement of the start of a political process that includes various components of the Syrian people, in a way that ensures the stability of Syria and the preservation of its territorial integrity, and that Syria is not a source of threat to the security and stability of the countries of the region.

He reiterated the Kingdom's condemnation of Israel's incursion into the buffer zone with Syria and the neighboring sites in Mount Hermon and Quneitra Governorate, expressing the Kingdom's rejection of this incursion as an occupation and aggression that violates international law and the disengagement agreement concluded between Syria and Israel in 1974, calling for the immediate withdrawal of the Israeli occupation forces from the occupied Syrian territories.

Announcing a clear and transparent roadmap on the steps and procedures for structuring the future of building the new state in Syria and governing Syria with specific and binding dates, such as the national conference to be held after deep and broad consultations and participation, will undoubtedly help the caretaker government in the current administration to achieve its demands to lift sanctions and reassure the Syrian people of all spectrums about their future and double the confidence of the countries of the region and the world in stability, security and peace in Syria.

As long as a civil, democratic, participatory state is built for all, in which justice and human dignity are achieved through the comprehensive Syrian identity and true belonging to Syria, the basis of which is citizenship, the rule of law and fair and sustainable development.
Head of the National Democratic Bloc in Syria

Levant: Basil Kuwaifi