Syria’s Embassy in Lebanon Suspends Services Amid Political Turmoil

Syria’s embassy in Lebanon suspended services after the arrest of Assad’s relatives for allegedly holding forged passports. Simultaneously, Lebanon transferred dozens of Syrians, including former military officers, to the new Syrian government led by HTS. Regional diplomacy is evolving as fears persist around the new regime’s intentions and its implications for minority rights.

The embassy of Syria in Lebanon has suspended its consular services following the arrest of relatives of deposed President Bashar Assad at Beirut’s airport for alleged passport forgery. This incident coincided with the handover by Lebanese authorities of approximately 70 individuals, including former Syrian army officers, to the new Syrian government, which is now recognized as being led by the former insurgent group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The HTS has reportedly been executing measures to assert control and ensure security within the Syrian territories under its jurisdiction.

The embassy announced the suspension of services on social media, citing an order from the Syrian foreign ministry but did not provide a specific reason. Anonymous Lebanese security sources disclosed that the suspension followed the incident involving Assad’s relatives—reports suggest that their passports were forged at the embassy. Notably, other relatives associated with the Assad family managed to travel without restrictions due in part to the complexities surrounding their political status.

As the new Syrian authorities solidify their power, regional nations have begun establishing diplomatic ties, including recent delegations from Libya and Bahrain visiting Damascus. Under HTS leadership, Ahmad al-Sharaa, known previously as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, has worked to allay fears that his administration would impose punitive measures against communities associated with Assad and intolerance towards religious minorities. However, tensions persist, including clashes between HTS security forces and pro-Assad militias, and ongoing strife between Kurdish-led factions and Turkish-backed armed groups.

The United States remains engaged in the dialogue regarding developments in Syria. Secretary Antony Blinken spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to promote a politically inclusive process in Syria that adheres to human rights principles. Meanwhile, demonstrations by Kurdish women in Hasaka express concerns regarding the anticipated role of women in the prevailing political framework, with calls for their inclusion in the new constitutional arrangements.

The recent political upheaval in Syria follows years of civil conflict resulting in the displacement of millions and a transformation in power dynamics. The formerly dominant regime under Bashar Assad has weakened, giving rise to new authorities, notably led by the HTS. As the landscape continues to shift, regional and international entities are reassessing their relationships with Syria to adapt to the current regime. The actions by Lebanon, including the arrest of individuals connected to Assad, mark a notable pivot in regional cooperation against remnants of the previous government.

In summary, the suspension of consular services by Syria’s embassy in Lebanon underscores the escalating tensions between the Assad regime and newly established authorities represented by HTS. The handover of former Syrian officers signifies Lebanon’s changing stance, while regional diplomatic efforts are underway to engage with Syria’s new leaders. The dynamic situation raises questions regarding governance, social rights, and international relations in the region, notably affecting minority communities.

Original Source: apnews.com