Diplomatic Efforts Underway Following Assad's Ouster in Syria

In the aftermath of Bashar al-Assad's ousting, Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Arab foreign ministers in Jordan to discuss the political transition and the challenges facing Syria's new leadership.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken convened with Arab foreign ministers in Jordan to strategize support for a political transition in Syria, a week after the expulsion of the long-time dictator Bashar al-Assad. This unexpected turn has led to widespread celebrations within Syria, but also uncertainty regarding the abilities of the newly appointed caretaker prime minister, Mohammed al-Bashir, to lead a nation fractured by years of conflict and repression.

The dramatic shift in power adds a layer of complexity to regional dynamics already strained by over a year of warfare. Key players including Israel, Iran, and Lebanon, along with Russia, formerly allied with Assad, are all watching closely the developments in Syria. Blinken’s meetings are set to include foreign ministers from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Lebanon, and Egypt, alongside the involvement of the Arab League’s secretary-general, Ahmed Aboul Gheit. Additional participants include representatives from Turkey, the United Nations, and the European Union.

The focus of the discussions, as outlined in a statement from Jordan’s Foreign Ministry, is to facilitate a comprehensive, Syria-led political process aimed at securing a transitional resolution. Notably, there has been no mention of sending a Syrian representative to these high-stakes discussions. Turkey's intensified influence, due to its backing of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rebel faction, which has been instrumental in the recent shift of power, is also expected to feature in the proceedings. The implications of Assad's removal are felt beyond Syria's borders as nations recalibrate their strategies in response to these dramatic developments.