The Syrian embassy in Lebanon has suspended its services after relatives of ex-President Bashar Assad were arrested for using forged passports. Concurrently, Lebanese officials have deported a group of Syrians, including former military officers, to the new Syrian government led by HTS. Regional ties are strengthening with visits from Libya and Bahrain to Syria, while Kurdish women protest for their rights amid fears of an unfavorable new government.
The Syrian embassy in Lebanon has halted its consular services following the arrest of two relatives of former Syrian President Bashar Assad at Beirut airport for allegedly carrying forged passports. The embassy announced the suspension via its Facebook page, stating it would remain effective “until further notice,” as per directives from the Syrian foreign ministry. Sources reveal that the passports linked to Assad’s relatives were suspected to be produced at the embassy itself.
Additionally, Lebanese authorities recently deported a group of approximately 70 Syrians, including former members of Assad’s military, back to Syria, marking a significant shift in the relationship between Lebanon and the new Syrian government led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). This development underscores increasing regional interest in reengaging with Syria’s new rulers as delegations from Libya and Bahrain visited Damascus.
While HTS has sought to pacify fears that it would persecute supporters of Assad or impose severe Islamic law, recent violent clashes have erupted between HTS security forces and pro-Assad factions. HTS has subsequently intensified searches and raids targeting Assad-affiliated officials. Concurrently, tensions in northeastern Syria have escalated between Kurdish forces and pro-Turkish militant groups, reflecting unease regarding the shifting power dynamics.
The U.S. State Department’s Secretary Antony Blinken has communicated with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to emphasize the importance of a Syrian-led political process that respects human rights and ensures inclusivity. Amid these developments, Kurdish women in Syria have initiated protests for their rights, expressing concerns that the emerging government is less favorable for women than the previous regime. Activists highlight the necessity of incorporating women’s rights into Syria’s new constitutional framework.
The region is witnessing a pivotal transformation as former enemies navigate complex political alignments. The suspension of Syrian consular services and the deportations signify a new chapter in Syrian-Lebanese relations and illustrate the broader geopolitical shifts occurring within the Middle East.
The recent actions of the Syrian embassy in Lebanon and the handover of Syrian nationals reflect a broader reconfiguration of political authority in Syria. Following years of civil strife, the emergence of HTS as a dominant force has reshaped interactions with neighboring countries. Lebanon’s cooperation in returning individuals who were once key military figures under Assad demonstrates a significant shift in allegiances within the region. Furthermore, the resumption of diplomatic ties between Syria and other Arab nations indicates an evolving geopolitical landscape amid fears of renewed conflict.
In conclusion, the suspension of services by Syria’s embassy in Lebanon, along with the return of Syrian nationals, signifies notable shifts in regional dynamics and diplomatic relations. The complexities of this transition highlight ongoing tensions within Syria, particularly regarding women’s rights and the potential for expanded conflicts among various factions. International stakeholders, most notably the United States, remain vigilant regarding these developments, advocating for a stable, inclusive political process in Syria.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
