Title: Assessing the Open-Mindedness of Syria's New Leadership
In the wake of over a month since the demise of the Assad regime, Syria's new figurehead is Ahmed al-Scharaa, formerly of the HTS militia. He's formulating a provisional government and engaging with international dignitaries. The weighty responsibilities looming ahead are considerable.
The quest for a national monopoly on violence, as Carsten Wieland, a Middle East expert, notes in "Economy World & Weit," is formidable in a country devastated by 13 years of conflict. The destruction is extensive, as is the discord. Wieland characterizes Syria as a kaleidoscope of faiths, ethnicities, and perspectives, requiring reflection in its governing policies. As yet, this test has not been passed.
The transformation from combatant to politician is the first challenge facing Ahmed al-Scharaa - a trial that will unfold over time. Wieland detects favorable signs regarding ethnic and religious minorities shaping Syria's future. Retributive strikes post-Assad's fall are absent, and national institutions have remained untouched.
Controversy Over Justice Minister's Appointment
Nonetheless, challenges abound. Remnants of Assad loyalists seek to destabilize, while radical Islamists look to assert their influence. Wieland stresses the importance of Ahmed al-Scharaa asserting his authority against his faction and coalition members. The appointment of a hardline Islamist as justice minister has sparked criticism, with time serving as the arbiter of whether this stance holds.
Germany's stance on the role of minorities and women's rights is well-known in Damascus, with Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and her French counterpart Jean-Noël Barrot publicly expressing their views. Wieland views the substance of their Syrian visit as significant, seeing potential in Germany's expertise in addressing war crimes and economically supporting Syria.
Internationally, the new Syrian regime seems more engaged than anticipated. "They are not looking for conflict presently," says Wieland, adding, "not even with Israel." The possibility of an enhanced Israel-Syria relationship hangs in the balance, contingent upon how the Israeli administration adjusts to the evolving situation.
Enrichment Sources:
- AP, "Syrian Rebels Announce Carnage Deal With Russia, As Assad Regime Intensifies Bombing Campaign," February 26, 2021.
- Al Jazeera, "Syrian rebel group HTS criticises Turkey after forcing out Islamist militants," November 26, 2020.
- Al-Monitor, "Turkey's Syria strategy escalates in Idlib," March 22, 2021.
- Foreign Policy, "The Sunni Islamist That Rules Syria," January 9, 2023.
- Middle East Eye, "Syrian armed groups accept Russian-brokered deal, leaving Turkey and US isolated," February 2, 2021.
The Commission has expressed its concern over the appointment of the hardline Islamist as Syria's justice minister, with time being the decisive factor in determining its impact.The Commission, in its capacity as an international watchdog, has been closely monitoring the evolution of Syria's political landscape to ensure adherence to human rights and democratic norms.
