Al-Shara in the United Nations: A Diplomatic Shift or a New Phase in American Politics Towards Syria?
September 9, 202554 ViewsRead Time: 3 minutes
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In a notable diplomatic development, the United States granted Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara a visa to participate in the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York from September 21 to 25. This step seems more than just a routine protocol procedure; it represents the peak of an accelerated diplomatic path that began with the historic meeting between al-Shara and American President Donald Trump in Riyadh last May.
The visit carries deep symbols and implications. Al-Shara's speech scheduled for September 24 will be the first speech by a Syrian president at the international organization in six decades, while sources have mentioned a possible meeting with Trump and another at the "Turkish House" alongside President Erdogan. These simultaneous diplomatic moves indicate a fundamental shift in the international stance towards Syria, especially after the fall of the Assad regime in late 2024.
The internal American context seems important for understanding these developments. The Trump administration, which began its second term last January, seeks to achieve a diplomatic accomplishment regarding Syria, in line with the slogan "America First" and its efforts to reduce the financial and human costs of American presence abroad. The statements of American envoy Thomas Barak about "trust in al-Shara" and the alignment of goals reflect this direction.
The joint Saudi-Turkish support for the Syrian file adds an important regional dimension. Both Riyadh and Ankara, despite their previous differing positions, now appear united in supporting the new political path in Damascus and pressuring to stop Israeli violations. This unconventional regional alliance could serve as a driving force for a political solution.
However, challenges remain. Gradually lifting American sanctions on Syria, despite its economic importance, will not solve the structural problems the country suffers from after years of war and destruction. Additionally, the American-Syrian rapprochement may provoke the ire of traditional American allies in the region.
The visit raises existential questions about the future of Syria: Will it be a gateway to regional stability or a new arena for international rivalries? And how can the diplomatic opportunity be transformed into tangible reality in the Syrian streets? The answers will not come from United Nations speeches but from the ability of local and international actors to turn diplomatic handshakes into reconstruction projects and genuine national reconciliation pathways.
Al-Shara's visit to New York represents more than just a fleeting diplomatic moment; it is a real test of the international community's will to support a Syrian transitional path led by Syrians, backed by regional and international support that may be the last opportunity for Syria after years of suffering.
The visit carries deep symbols and implications. Al-Shara's speech scheduled for September 24 will be the first speech by a Syrian president at the international organization in six decades, while sources have mentioned a possible meeting with Trump and another at the "Turkish House" alongside President Erdogan. These simultaneous diplomatic moves indicate a fundamental shift in the international stance towards Syria, especially after the fall of the Assad regime in late 2024.
The internal American context seems important for understanding these developments. The Trump administration, which began its second term last January, seeks to achieve a diplomatic accomplishment regarding Syria, in line with the slogan "America First" and its efforts to reduce the financial and human costs of American presence abroad. The statements of American envoy Thomas Barak about "trust in al-Shara" and the alignment of goals reflect this direction.
The joint Saudi-Turkish support for the Syrian file adds an important regional dimension. Both Riyadh and Ankara, despite their previous differing positions, now appear united in supporting the new political path in Damascus and pressuring to stop Israeli violations. This unconventional regional alliance could serve as a driving force for a political solution.
However, challenges remain. Gradually lifting American sanctions on Syria, despite its economic importance, will not solve the structural problems the country suffers from after years of war and destruction. Additionally, the American-Syrian rapprochement may provoke the ire of traditional American allies in the region.
The visit raises existential questions about the future of Syria: Will it be a gateway to regional stability or a new arena for international rivalries? And how can the diplomatic opportunity be transformed into tangible reality in the Syrian streets? The answers will not come from United Nations speeches but from the ability of local and international actors to turn diplomatic handshakes into reconstruction projects and genuine national reconciliation pathways.
Al-Shara's visit to New York represents more than just a fleeting diplomatic moment; it is a real test of the international community's will to support a Syrian transitional path led by Syrians, backed by regional and international support that may be the last opportunity for Syria after years of suffering.
