Syria handed a significant opportunity

There is clear and ongoing support from Saudi Arabia for the Syrian state, manifested in various ways. This includes humanitarian assistance through food, medical and essential aid provided by the Saudi aid agency KSrelief, as well as the continuous influx of volunteers in various medical and service sectors, coordinated by the Saudi government. Additionally, there is economic support, exemplified by the Kingdom, in partnership with Qatar, covering an amount of $15 million, which represents Syria’s arrears to the World Bank.

Politically, Riyadh was the first capital visited by new Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa, where he met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan has met his Syrian counterpart Asaad Al-Shaibani several times, advocating for the necessity of supporting Syria’s stability and unity. Moreover, he has worked to convince a number of European and Arab capitals of the importance of addressing the negative consequences of the past decade in Syria, which has been marked by internal conflict and war, foreign influence and rival armed factions, all of which have contributed to Syria’s status as a failed state, a fertile ground for terrorism, a threat to neighboring countries and a source of drug production and trafficking.

The most significant Saudi support occurred during US President Donald Trump’s visit to Riyadh last week. During this visit, Trump announced the lifting of American sanctions imposed on the previous Syrian regime, a decision that was made at the request of the crown prince.

The following day, prior to the Gulf-American summit, a meeting took place between the American and Syrian presidents, attended by the Saudi crown prince, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan joining the meeting via phone.

The announcement of the lifting of American sanctions, followed by the meeting between Trump and Al-Sharaa, represented a significant achievement for Saudi diplomacy and served as evidence of Riyadh’s ability to present perspectives characterized by composure and respect in Washington.

Some may wonder: What motivates Saudi Arabia to undertake all these efforts for Syria?

The fall of former Syrian President Bashar Assad’s regime last December was not a trivial event. Rather, it represented a significant political and security shift that created a structural vacuum within state institutions. This vacuum necessitated filling to prevent chaos, civil war and conflict. Furthermore, when Assad fled to Russia, he was not the only one to abandon the country; foreign allies, particularly officers from the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, as well as fighters from Lebanese, Afghan, Iraqi and Pakistani factions who had been fighting alongside Syrian forces, also left. Additionally, the diminished role of Russia in Syria caused the biggest vacuum.

The announcement of the lifting of American sanctions represented a significant achievement for Saudi diplomacy. 

Hassan Al-Mustafa

This vacuum consists of two levels: internal and external. Therefore, it is crucial to have a strong Syrian government that ensures security and manages state institutions. For this government to endure and succeed, it must receive Arab support, which would act as a regional safety net, enabling it to establish diplomatic relations with neighboring countries and restore connections that were severed due to the policies of Assad.

So, there were two options: either support the new system and encourage reform and good governance or choose the second option, which is a vacuum that will lead to chaos and uncertainty.

Saudi Arabia has chosen to take the first option, considering Syria’s position in Arab politics and its geographical location. Additionally, the changes that have occurred, such as the decline in influence of Iran and its allied factions, as well as the reduction in drug trafficking operations targeting Saudi Arabia, all contribute positively to Riyadh’s interests.

Simultaneously, the Kingdom did not undertake these steps without an awareness of the existing complexities, the ideological background of the new rulers in Syria, the presence of foreign fighters allied with them within Syrian territory, the strained relations with the Kurds, and the ongoing Israeli assaults on Syrian land. All these are intricate issues that cannot be resolved without a long-term political vision, genuine national consensus and a civil government that includes various components of the Syrian population without sectarian or ethnic discrimination. Any resolution also requires a national reconciliation that closes the chapter on the past, prevents revenge and curtails any violent actions that may be carried out by extremist groups close to the government or those that have had ties with some of its figures.

This political, security and sectarian complexity will only get worse with a fragile economy, high unemployment rates, inflation, a lack of investment and a lack of job opportunities. Therefore, the US president’s announcement from Riyadh that he would lift sanctions on Syria was a “great gift,” coming through a “bold and important” decision, as described by Prince Faisal. He also expressed hope that “European sanctions on Damascus will also be lifted,” indicating that “Syria has many opportunities to witness a major economic renaissance.” Prince Faisal emphasized that the Kingdom will be a pioneer in supporting the Syrian economy.

Following his meeting with President Trump, Al-Sharaa stated that the decision to lift sanctions will usher in a new chapter for Syria, contributing to the achievement of security, stability and reconstruction. Al-Sharaa praised the role of the crown prince, who he said had “fulfilled his promises.”

There is widespread joy in both the Syrian and Arab streets, a joy that is well-deserved. However, the announcement, despite its significance, necessitates diligent and responsible action from the Syrian government to capitalize on this “golden opportunity.” Notably, Trump urged them to “show us something.” Additionally, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt posted a statement on X outlining five key points that Trump encouraged Al-Sharaa to implement. This indicates that there will be close American monitoring, requiring high-level coordination between Washington and Damascus to build trust step by step.

Saudi Arabia has fulfilled its obligations toward the Syrian people and government, engaging in effective diplomacy to preserve Syria’s unity and security, while preventing sectarian conflict and condemning the ongoing Israeli aggressions. Riyadh continues this effort, which implies that Syrian diplomacy and internal governmental bodies bear a great responsibility to leverage this exceptional support and fulfill the promises made by the Syrian president in his addresses to the people, as this is the only path to reconstruction and development.

• Hassan Al-Mustafa is a Saudi writer and researcher interested in Islamic movements, the development of religious discourse and the relationship between the Gulf Cooperation Council states and Iran. X: @Halmustafa