Syria’s interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa visited Saudi Arabia, marking his first trip abroad in a move likely aimed at signaling a pivot away from Iran. This visit may catalyze broader international engagement and efforts to lift sanctions imposed on Syria. Al-Sharaa’s administration seeks to enhance relations with Riyadh, amid ongoing challenges from militant groups.
Syria’s interim president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, undertook his inaugural foreign visit to Saudi Arabia, indicating a potential shift in Syria’s alliances away from Iran. Accompanied by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, al-Sharaa’s visit seeks to enhance relations with Riyadh, which has historically supported opposition groups against the Syrian regime. The Saudi government showcased this visit prominently as significant for al-Sharaa’s new administration.
Following the violent conflict initiated during the Arab Spring in 2011, Syria’s political landscape has evolved, with al-Sharaa emerging as a key figure in the interim government of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a group with roots in al-Qaida but which has distanced itself from its past. Syria, previously aligned heavily with Iran and Russia, is now exploring alternatives as it seeks to recover from years of war and international sanctions.
Al-Sharaa’s visit to Saudi Arabia may mark a pivotal moment for Syria in realigning its geopolitical stance and potentially alleviating sanctions that hinder the country’s recovery. The restoration of ties with Saudi Arabia and the Arab League hints at a broader normalization strategy. However, the interim government still faces formidable challenges from various militant factions operating within Syria.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
