Manama: UAE Expresses Concerns Over Syria’s Future and Extremism
Syria’s ongoing challenges with extremism and terrorism remain at the forefront of regional concerns, said Dr. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic advisor to the UAE president, during the Manama Security Dialogue in Bahrain. When asked about Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s location, Gargash replied, “I don’t know,” addressing speculation about whether Assad was in the UAE.
Assad’s Rule Faces Uncertainty
Syrian rebel groups recently claimed to have ousted Assad, ending a 50-year reign of the Assad family. This development has raised concerns about potential instability in an already conflict-ridden region. Gargash considered the situation and pointed out that Assad passed up a number of Arab countries’ chances for engagement and reform.
Gargash referred to efforts to include Assad in constitutional talks for Syria’s future and stated, “Assad didn’t use the lifelines provided by various Arab countries, including the UAE.” Despite these initiatives, the situation persisted because of his unwillingness to accept change.
The UAE’s Diplomatic Role
The UAE has long advocated for reintegrating Syria into the Arab fold, hoping to shift Assad’s alliances away from Iran and Russia. However, Assad’s reliance on Iran, particularly for weapons transfers to Hezbollah, has complicated these efforts. According to reports, the US and the UAE had talked about removing sanctions on Assad in exchange for him severing his ties to Iran and closing off his supply lines for weapons.
A Precarious Prospect for Syria
Gargash emphasized the UAE’s worries on the instability in Syria’s broader ramifications.
“We are deeply worried about chaos, extremism, and Syria’s territorial integrity,” he said. He also suggested that current developments might create an opening for dialogue with Iran to address the region’s challenges collaboratively.
Looking ahead, Gargash questioned whether new leadership in Syria could break from its troubled history or if the country would see a resurgence of radical groups. This uncertainty underscores the need for careful diplomatic engagement.
A Critical Moment
As Syria faces an uncertain path, the UAE remains committed to promoting stability. Gargash’s remarks underscore the complexities of balancing diplomatic efforts with addressing security concerns, as the region navigates this pivotal juncture.