Syria's Rebel Alliance Moves Toward Legitimacy Amid International Engagement

With the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, Syria's rebel alliance is taking decisive steps to gain legitimacy, engaging with international diplomats to discuss the country's future.

Just over a week after the rebel coalition led by Ahmed al-Shara, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, deposed longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad, they are making strides toward achieving international legitimacy. Notably, al-Shara met with Geir O. Pedersen, the United Nations special envoy to Syria, to discuss the pressing political transition and efforts to rebuild the war-torn nation.

During their exchange, al-Shara emphasized the necessity of swift cooperation to restore Syria's economy and unify the nation. In response to this new political landscape, Pedersen acknowledged the myriad challenges ahead, urging for increased humanitarian aid as the country grapples with a profound crisis.

In addition to UN interactions, Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, highlighted that she dispatched top diplomats to engage with the newly formed government in Damascus. Notably, the EU serves as the largest humanitarian aid donor to Syria, marking a significant relationship for the rebels as they seek continued support.

On a practical level, France’s foreign ministry confirmed plans for a team of diplomats to visit Syria shortly, while Turkey and Qatar, which maintained communication with the rebels prior to their surprising ascendancy, are restarting diplomatic missions in Damascus.

With the unexpected power shift resulting in the control of the country by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham—a group previously labeled as terrorist due to its historical affiliations—Syria's geopolitical landscape is rapidly evolving. The international community now faces the unique challenge of adjusting its policies towards a coalition that emerged from years of civil strife, while still being mindful of the implications of their previous designations.