Syria’s Embassy in Lebanon Suspends Services Amid Political Turmoil

Syria’s embassy in Lebanon has suspended consular services following the arrest of relatives of ex-President Bashar Assad with forged passports. Meanwhile, Lebanon has returned several Syrians, including former army officers, to Syria’s new leadership under HTS. Internal clashes persist, while protests in northeastern Syria demand women’s rights, highlighting ongoing struggles in the new regime’s governance.

Syria’s embassy in Lebanon announced the suspension of consular services on Saturday, following the arrest of two relatives of former President Bashar Assad at Beirut airport for allegedly possessing forged passports. This decision came amidst Lebanon handing over several Syrians, including former Syrian army officers, to the newly established Syrian authorities. The embassy’s announcement did not specify the reasons for the suspension, leading to speculation that it relates to the passport forgery incident.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported the transfer of 70 Syrians, including former officers, to the new Syrian government led by the former insurgent group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). This transition follows increasing attempts from regional nations to build connections with Syria’s new leadership. HTS head Ahmad al-Sharaa has attempted to allay fears about potential retaliatory measures against communities that opposed Assad.

Despite this, tensions continue, as clashes arise between HTS forces and pro-Assad groups, prompting security operations targeting individuals aligned with the previous regime. Concurrently, the Kurdish-led forces have expressed apprehension regarding these changes, particularly with Turkey’s influence in Syria growing. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has discussed the situation with Turkish leaders, emphasizing the importance of a politically inclusive governance model in Syria.

In the northeastern city of Hasaka, protests led by women’s groups voiced concerns about women’s rights in the emerging political landscape. Participants criticized the new administration, claiming it was more oppressive than Assad’s regime, with fears that they might disregard women’s roles in governance. Calls for the inclusion of women in the new constitutional framework highlight ongoing struggles for gender equality in Syria.

The recent developments in Syria following the suspension of consular services at its embassy in Lebanon are pivotal as they reflect the shifting political landscape in the region. With the situation evolving after the Assad regime’s decline, the new authorities under Ahmad al-Sharaa have faced both domestic dissent and international scrutiny. Understanding the context of post-Assad Syria, particularly the interactions between the new government and various communities, helps illuminate the factors contributing to the current unrest and political maneuvering. Lebanon’s handover of former Syrian officers signifies a noteworthy step in solidifying the new Syrian government’s authority. Concurrently, the ongoing protests by Kurdish women highlight the persistent issues surrounding women’s rights amid political transformations.

In conclusion, the recent suspension of services at Syria’s embassy in Lebanon sheds light on the complexities of the evolving governance in Syria, especially amidst Lebanon’s handover of Syrian nationals to the new government. Ahmad al-Sharaa’s leadership is being challenged internally with protests demanding gender equality, as external pressures from regional powers like Turkey further complicate Syria’s path forward. The outcomes of these developments will significantly impact Syria’s future, especially regarding its political inclusivity and stability.

Original Source: apnews.com