Ahmed al-Shara's Shuttle Diplomacy: A Path to Rebuilding Syria’s Regional Influence?

Syria, under the leadership of interim president Ahmed al-Shara, is embarking on a renewed diplomatic path, seeking to rebuild ties with Arab nations and the West. After facing years of isolation following the civil war and the suspension of Syria from the Arab League, al-Shara’s efforts to break Syria out of this diplomatic vacuum have started to gain attention.

Al-Shara’s first significant foreign visit included a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, marking a notable moment in Syria’s rehabilitation. This visit was part of Syria's broader strategy to reintegrate into the Arab fold, especially after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad from regional affairs. While Syria’s return to the Arab League in 2023 was a key milestone, much of the country’s rehabilitation on the global stage depends on addressing critical issues like drug trade, particularly the mass production of Captagon, which has been a major concern for Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia.

Captagon, an amphetamine-like drug, has been produced extensively in Syria and trafficked through countries like Jordan into Gulf states, contributing to tensions with Arab nations. However, Ahmed al-Shara has committed to dismantling the drug network, signaling a shift in Syria’s approach to regional cooperation. The commitment to curbing this issue, alongside efforts to rebuild diplomatic and economic ties, has been central to al-Shara’s outreach to the Gulf countries.

Syria’s new leadership is also actively seeking the lifting of international sanctions, which have hindered the country’s ability to rebuild its economy. The Syrian president has underscored the importance of regional cooperation, with Saudi Arabia leading efforts to ease the pressure of these sanctions. Al-Shara’s government is pushing for a flow of investment and resources to help rebuild Syria’s war-torn infrastructure and economy.

In addition to engaging with Gulf nations, al-Shara has also made strides in improving relations with Turkey. Turkey, which supported Syrian opposition forces during the civil war, has shifted its approach, and is now seeking to collaborate with Syria on security and economic matters. Both nations, facing common security threats, especially from Israel in the Golan Heights region, have found common ground in their diplomatic talks. Al-Shara praised Turkey for its historic role in hosting millions of Syrian refugees and emphasized the importance of international pressure on Israel to withdraw from the Golan Heights.

Despite these efforts, Syria’s path to full regional reintegration remains uncertain. Al-Shara’s diplomatic overtures have shown promising signs, but they must be matched by tangible steps to address Syria’s internal issues, including the drug trade and the ongoing impact of the civil war on the country’s infrastructure. Moreover, the presence of UN peacekeepers in the Golan Heights and continued pressure on Israel may become significant factors in future negotiations.

Conclusion: Is Syria’s Diplomatic Push Enough?

Ahmed al-Shara’s shuttle diplomacy is a step in the right direction for Syria, but its success depends on the country’s ability to address key regional concerns and navigate complex international relationships. While Syria’s re-entry into the Arab League and outreach to Turkey and the Gulf nations are positive signs, the road ahead remains challenging. The country’s diplomatic future will hinge on its ability to rebuild, both internally and externally, and prove its commitment to addressing long-standing issues like the Captagon trade.