Media review: How some media outlets, commentators, and politicians from the Middle East are reacting to the fast moving developments in Syria.
In a visit that could be considered a celebration of the success of the efforts to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who was the head of intelligence and is considered one of the most prominent figures who contributed to supporting the “Hayat Tahrir al-Sham” organization that overthrew Assad, arrived in the Syrian capital, Damascus, to hold consultations with the new authorities in the country, represented by Ahmed al-Sharaa (Abu Muhammad al-Julani), the leader of the organization and commander of military operations, whom Turkey helped transform from a “jihadist leader” to a “statesman.” However, the visit, which coincides with the continuation of international political deliberations, in which Ankara plays a prominent role, took on a clear protocol form, as part of Ankara’s efforts to establish the legitimacy of the ruling authorities at the present time, especially after Washington announced its involvement in relations with the “Hayat.” Fidan’s keenness to demonstrate his strong relationship with al-Sharaa and demonstrate Turkey’s victory in the Syrian battle was also evident through a visit to Mount Qasioun, where the two men drank tea from the highest peak in Damascus. Turkish statements similar to those of the "High Commissioner" during the French mandate, by talking about the future of Syria and identifying the names that will rule the country, are accepted by the new American administration headed by Donald Trump, who will enter the White House in less than a month, which will provide Turkey with a large space for political and security work in Syria, by establishing a government loyal to Ankara on the one hand, and reducing the Kurdish role that the latter is still fighting, on the other hand.
The Turkish Foreign Minister, in statements he made after a meeting with "al-Julani" during which he discussed the political developments in Syria and the issue of Syrian refugees in Turkey and ways to open the door for their return, indicated that he conveyed the greetings of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, continuing, in his victory speech, that "the Baath regime that lasted 61 years left behind great suffering, and we are here today to stand with you in achieving your aspirations." He added: "Your joy is our joy and your sadness is our sadness, and we are proud to support the truth and stand by you," stressing the need to "draft a new constitution that respects all components of Syrian society and guarantees the rights of minorities," in a way that opens the door to "building a new Syria, with full Turkish support." He pointed out that "President Erdogan issued his instructions to support you in everything you need to achieve progress. We are here to begin a new phase of construction."
For its part, and in the context of what Ankara considers a "victory" for it, the Turkish "Anadolu" agency broadcast two photos; the first of which shows Fidan with "al-Julani", and the other of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi with al-Assad, on the first of this month, noting that the time difference between the two photos is 3 weeks.
Turkish relations with new Syrian leaders will be determined by how the Kurdish matter will be handled. Here is what the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, said in that regard:
"We must take action immediately. The territorial integrity of Syria is non-negotiable. I would like to clarify once again that there is absolutely no place for Kurdish armed groups in Syria."
Advanced steps, therefore, cannot be taken until some of the outstanding problems with the factions in the north and south are resolved, in addition to reaching an agreement under which the Kurds in the "SDF" are integrated into the new administration. However, the last mission seems somewhat difficult in light of the ongoing battles between the factions of the "National Army" affiliated with Turkey and the "SDF" in many areas, most notably the "Tishreen Dam" area, which field sources reported that the battles taking place in its vicinity caused severe damage to it.
In the meantime, Sharaa, who received former Lebanese MP Walid Jumblatt, wearing a tie and an official suit, continues to lead the Syrian political scene, by intensifying meetings with international and domestic parties, the last of which was an extensive meeting he held with Farouk Sharaa, Assad's former deputy. According to what leaked from the meeting, the two men agreed to expand the scope of participation in the "National Conference" scheduled to be held in Damascus in the coming period, during which an agreement is expected to be reached on the future of governance in Syria, to be followed by the formation of a committee to review the constitution, and pave the way for a stage during which a "technocrat" government is formed.
Safadi, Jordan's FM, meets Jolani: We support the transitional process and drafting a new constitution in Syria
Al-Sharaa (Al-Jolani): Qatar’s participation in the next stage of Syria is effective and important
The commander of the military operations department in Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa (al-Jolani), extended an invitation to the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to visit Syria.
During his meeting with the Qatari delegation in Damascus, al-Sharaa announced the beginning of broad strategic cooperation with Qatar in the coming period, and the endeavor to benefit from Qatari expertise, indicating that the State of Qatar's participation in the next stage in Syria will be "effective and important."
In turn, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Mohammed Al-Khulaifi, discussed the transitional phase with Al-Shara, and said that the Syrian people "are the masters of their own decisions, and will not be subjected to guardianship."
The spokesman for the Qatari Foreign Ministry, Majed Al-Ansari, said via the "X" platform that Al-Khulaifi arrived in Damascus at the head of a high-level official Qatari delegation, in order to hold meetings with Syrian officials, and "embody the firm Qatari position in providing all support to the brothers in Syria."
It is worth noting that Qatar reopened its embassy in Damascus last Saturday, after it had been closed for 13 years, and the Qatari flag was raised on the embassy building to resume work again.
Other regional powers, like Saudi Arabia and UAE, are taking their time before making contact with the new rulers on a high level, should they decide to do so. So far, they reached out in cautious ways. In a remarkable Arab development, after the Arab countries took a cautious stance towards the new authorities, a Saudi security and diplomatic delegation arrived in Damascus and held meetings with officials of the "Committee," in a step that is expected to be followed by other steps. The sources indicated that the Saudi move came to understand what is happening and to learn more about the new Syrian authorities, and they continued that other Arab delegations are expected to visit Damascus in the coming days.
Iraq's action in the next weeks and months will be telling, because Jolani is still wanted in Iraq for his role when he was a member of ISIS.
Iran will likely wait until after the transional government hands power to the next government to decide on its relations with the new Syrian leaders. Iran's Foreign Ministry said that "We have no direct contact with the ruling party in Syria." He added, "recent US statements on Syria reveal their intentions to control the fate of countries and interfere in their affairs. The Syrian people are capable of making their own decisions and determining the future of their country and its relations with other countries."
Israeli leaders are taking credit for the fall of Assad regime
Israel Katz, defense minister statement said:
"We defeated Hamas and Hezbollah, destroyed Iran's air defense systems, damaged missile production systems, brought down the Assad regime in Syria, and prepared well for the axis of evil. We will also severely cripple the terrorist Houthi organization in Yemen, which is still the last organization standing. We will strike their strategic infrastructure and behead their leaders, just as we did with Haniyeh, Sinwar and Nasrallah in Tehran, Gaza and Lebanon, just as we did in Hodeidah and Sanaa. Anyone who raises his hand against Israel will have his hand cut off and will be struck by the long arm of the Israeli army, which must be taken into account a thousand times."
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