Opinion | Syria a chance for Middle East to shape its own, better future

The stability of Syria, at the heart of the Middle East, is in the interests of all. It is time for regional actors, not external ones, to lead the change

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Syrian leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani waits to welcome a Ukrainian delegation in Damascus, Syria, on December 30. The world has been beating a path to his door. Photo: Reuters

Published: 5:30am, 7 Jan 2025Updated: 5:32am, 7 Jan 2025

There are decades when nothing happens and there are weeks when decades happen. This is the Middle East today. The downfall of Syria’s Assad regime, coupled with forces unleashed after Hamas attacked Israel in 2023, have triggered a regional power vacuum.

This crisis of uncertainty presents a historic opportunity for a geopolitical reconfiguration. In recent decades, the Middle East has experienced too many failed resets. It is time to alter course, reverse the cycle and for regional actors – not external players – to lead in shaping change.

Syria’s strategic geography gives it enormous leverage. It is a linchpin for regional security as it lies in the heart of the Middle East and borders several countries. All responsible states have a vested interest in Syria’s stability. Within this momentous context, the first foreign visit by a delegation of Syria’s transitional government to Saudi Arabia marked a major political breakthrough.

Both sides are driven by pragmatism and political reality, not ideological affinity. The kingdom’s historic enmity with Islamist movements has not ceased. But the Saudis accept that the government led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) holds power and must deal with it to exert influence in Syria.

The objective is to prevent a proliferation of threats and spillover into Saudi Arabia and beyond. With its vast resources, the Saudis can play an indispensable role in Syria’s future, in particular replacing Iran as Syria’s chief energy supplier.

After nearly 14 years of war, economic mismanagement and sanctions, Syria desperately needs greater diplomatic recognition to lift the Assad-era sanctions. HTS also needs to be removed from terrorism lists. This would unleash critical international financial aid.