Amid ongoing diplomatic efforts and growing Arab engagement with Syria’s new administration, the Arab League is planning to send a special envoy to Damascus.
The mission will aim to “assess the situation, meet with the new government, and engage with various groups in the country,” according to an Arab diplomatic source.
The source, speaking anonymously to Asharq Al-Awsat, explained that, in light of recent developments, “there is a push within the Arab League to send a special envoy to Syria.”
“The goal is to establish communication with the new authorities, understand their vision, and inform them about the Arab League’s operations and its relationship with Syria,” they added.
Although the timing and nature of the visit have not yet been decided, the source emphasized that it would not be limited to meeting Syria’s new leaders but would also involve discussions with different social groups.
“The visit is exploratory and aims to open communication channels and show the Arab League’s readiness to work with the new administration,” the source added.
One key objective of the visit is to offer an honest assessment of the situation in Syria and present the new administration’s views to other Arab nations, especially in North Africa.
On May 7, 2023, the Arab League reinstated Syria’s membership, reversing a suspension that began in November 2011 after the country’s protests. This decision formed a contact group of six Arab countries to work directly with Syria on a comprehensive solution to the crisis.
The diplomatic source pointed out that with Bashar al-Assad’s regime fallen, the goal of the Syria-focused group has shifted to helping Syrians adapt to the new political reality.
The Arab League’s planned visit comes as Syria sees increasing Arab attention. This includes a recent visit to Riyadh by Syria’s new Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, marking his first foreign trip. The visit coincided with the arrival of Saudi humanitarian aid to Syria. The UAE, Kuwait, and Oman have also held talks with Syrian officials.
Egypt, while cautious about closer ties with Syria, has emphasized that Syria should be a source of regional stability. Egypt has been monitoring the new administration's actions closely.
Observers note a growing “Arab openness” to Syria, driven by fears of Syria’s fragmentation and concerns over security issues, including terrorism.
The Arab League’s engagement reflects a shared interest in Syria's future, with a focus on stability, reconstruction, and political transition.
