Top diplomats from the United States, the Arab League, and Turkey are convening in Jordan to strategize on assisting Syria's transition from the deposed government of Bashar Assad. The meeting in the Jordanian port city of Aqaba aims to establish consensus on the priorities for new leadership in Syria, with 12 foreign ministers and senior officials from the European Union and United Nations in attendance. Notably, no Syrian representatives are expected to participate.
The recent collapse of the Assad regime, which had ruled for over half a century, has raised concerns about potential instability in a region already grappling with conflicts such as the Israel-Hamas dispute in Gaza and tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon despite a fragile ceasefire.
Meanwhile, the United States is intensifying efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, where the ongoing conflict has plunged more than 2 million Palestinians into a severe humanitarian crisis. The toll of the Israel-Hamas war includes over 44,800 Palestinian casualties, with a significant number being women and children, as reported by the Gaza Health Ministry. The Israeli military claims to have eliminated more than 17,000 militants, although evidence to support this assertion is lacking.
The conflict, triggered by a Hamas attack in October 2023, resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 individuals in Israel, predominantly civilians, with approximately 250 people taken hostage. Presently, about 100 hostages remain in Gaza, with concerns about their well-being.
US Secretary of State Blinken's Remarks
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, concluding a regional tour in Jordan, emphasized the importance of inclusivity, respect for women and minority rights, rejection of terrorism, and the secure disposal of suspected chemical weapons stockpiles by Syria's new government. Blinken highlighted the need for a Syrian-led transition process, with the United Nations playing a pivotal role in providing assistance and safeguarding minority groups.
U.N. Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pederson echoed Blinken's sentiments, stressing the necessity of a credible and inclusive political process in Syria that unites all communities and prevents the collapse of state institutions. The urgent delivery of humanitarian aid was also emphasized as a critical priority to alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people.
The Jordanian Foreign Ministry, in announcing the diplomatic meetings, outlined the objective of supporting a comprehensive political process led by Syrians to facilitate a transitional phase that rebuilds state institutions, upholds Syria's unity, territorial integrity, sovereignty, security, stability, and the rights of all citizens.
