In brief
Syria has initiated its first international flights since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, with new leaders seeking to restore stability. While a Qatar Airways flight and Jordan's national carrier have made historic landings, international sanctions remain a significant hurdle for the interim government led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.
Syria’s main international gateway, Damascus International Airport, welcomed its first international flights this week, signaling a potential shift towards stability in the war-torn country after the overthrow of former President Bashar al-Assad. On Tuesday, a Qatar Airways flight arrived from Doha, marking a significant moment as international connections resume. Additionally, Jordan's Civil Aviation Authority confirmed its national carrier also sent a flight to Damascus, the first since 2012, as a gesture of solidarity.The interim government, led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, is enthusiastic about establishing governance, having promised a constitutional committee to foster inclusivity and urged civil servants to resume their duties. They stress that Syria has ceased to be a threat to its neighbors. Nonetheless, the political landscape remains complicated by a patchwork of international sanctions which continue to be levied against the country.Many Western leaders maintain a cautious stance towards the new administration, focusing on the potential for Islamist governance or renewed domestic strife. Germany’s foreign minister underscored the need for political transitions to be inclusive but made it clear that support would not extend to Islamist frameworks.As the Biden administration recently relaxed some humanitarian aid restrictions, it has kept stringent sanctions intact, indicating a careful balancing act among Western powers regarding the new Syrian leaders. The foreign minister for the new government, Asa’ad Hassan al-Shibani, has called for the immediate lifting of these sanctions, arguing that their primary justification—the Assad regime—has been eliminated.He expressed frustration, stating on Tuesday, “Those economic sanctions are now being wielded against the Syrian people, even as the reason they were imposed is no more.” The ongoing dynamics will be pivotal as Syria navigates its post-conflict recovery while attempting to mend international relationships amidst lingering skepticism.
