New Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara Engages in Diplomatic Talks with Erdogan

In his first official meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Syria's interim president Ahmed al-Shara aims to strengthen bilateral relations, addressing refugee crises and broader regional stability issues as his leadership begins in a fractured post-war landscape.

Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Shara, is set to hold crucial discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Tuesday. This meeting marks their first encounter since al-Shara’s recent appointment following the ousting of former leader Bashar al-Assad, a pivotal moment in Syria’s ongoing transition after years of civil conflict.

The geopolitical stakes are high for both nations. Turkey shares a lengthy border with Syria and is currently home to over three million Syrian refugees, many of whom fled the devastation wrought by the now-defunct Assad regime. Erdogan, who has historically maintained a tenuous relationship with Assad, is wary that ongoing instability in Syria could lead to further waves of refugees escaping into Turkey, disrupting both countries' stability.

For al-Shara, who emerged as a significant player in the recent rebel offensive, this meeting represents a chance to secure Turkey's support as he seeks to unify a fractured Syria, revitalize its economy, and navigate the complexities of transitioning a wide array of militias into a cohesive national armed forces. Turkey has had longstanding ties with the military factions he has been associated with, making its support critical for his administration.

However, Turkey is also grappling with its economic challenges, creating uncertainty about its ability to provide substantial financial aid to Syria, which is in dire need of reconstruction funding. Additionally, al-Shara has begun establishing connections with various international powers, meeting with regional leaders such as Qatar’s Sheikh Tamim and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to drum up potential financial support.

Despite previously being linked to Al Qaeda, al-Shara has sought to distance himself from extremist views and present a more moderate leadership style. Nevertheless, he faces significant hurdles due to international sanctions against Syria, which complicate prospects for economic recovery, and the ongoing designation of his militia, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and Turkey alike.

As the aspirations for a new Syria take shape, the outcome of the al-Shara-Erdogan meeting may serve as a barometer for future diplomatic relations and regional stability, underscoring the interdependencies at play in this evolving narrative.