Global Powers Discuss Syria's Future Amid Political Shift

Key regional and global powers are positioning themselves to influence Syria’s next steps, while long-standing allies and neighbouring countries are expected to play significant roles. Notably, some parties central to the previous administration were absent from the discussions.

Senior diplomats from the United States, Turkey, the European Union, and Arab nations convened in Jordan on Saturday, December 14, to discuss Syria’s future as global and regional powers maneuver for influence over the government that will replace ousted President Bashar al-Assad.

The outgoing Biden administration has begun reaching out to the rebel groups that led the successful assault on Damascus, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken traveled to the region to rally support for principles Washington hopes will shape Syria’s political transition, such as protecting minority rights.

Turkey, which has long backed Syrian opposition forces, is expected to play a major role in shaping the country’s post-Assad future. Meanwhile, Jordan hosted the talks in Aqaba, but key Assad allies, Russia and Iran, were notably excluded from the gathering.

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