Suspension of Syrian Embassy Services in Lebanon Amid Regional Turmoil

Syria’s embassy in Lebanon has suspended consular operations after relatives of Bashar Assad were arrested for suspected passport forgery. Lebanon has handed over former Syrian army officers to new authorities led by HTS. Meanwhile, Kurdish women’s rights activists protest against the new regime, demanding inclusion in Syria’s future governance.

In a notable development, Syria’s embassy in Lebanon has suspended its consular services following the arrest of two relatives of deposed President Bashar Assad at Beirut’s airport for allegedly using forged passports. Lebanese authorities subsequently deported dozens of Syrians, including former Assad-era army officers, to new Syrian authorities led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group. The embassy’s suspension of services, ordered by the Syrian foreign ministry, has raised eyebrows, especially as officials indicated that the passports of Assad’s relatives were likely forged at the embassy itself.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the handover involved approximately 70 Syrians, including former military personnel, highlighting the complex dynamics at play as Syria continues to re-establish ties in the region. Meanwhile, HTS appears to have quelled immediate fears regarding its governance, even though recent clashes have emerged between its security forces and pro-Assad factions amid ongoing tensions with Kurdish groups backed by Turkey. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has emphasized the importance of a political solution that is inclusive and respects human rights during discussions with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

Additionally, a demonstration was held in Hasaka by Kurdish women’s groups, calling for the recognition and strengthening of women’s rights in the new Syrian government. The participants expressed concerns over the potential exclusion of women from political processes under the new regime, asserting, “Women must be present in the new constitution for Syria.”

The recent tensions between Syria and Lebanon arise amid ongoing geopolitical shifts following years of civil war in Syria. With new authorities emerging in Syria, notably led by HTS, regional countries are reassessing their relations with Damascus. The suspension of the Syrian embassy’s services correlates with the Lebanese government’s actions against individuals associated with the former regime, signaling a shift in diplomatic dynamics. The response of Kurdish groups further complicates the political landscape as they resist perceived threats to their rights and governance.

In conclusion, the suspension of consular services by Syria’s embassy in Lebanon reflects a broader shift in both diplomatic and security dynamics in the region. The handover of former Syrian military personnel and the growing concerns about women’s rights under the new governance highlight the complexities faced in the evolving political landscape. Stakeholders like the U.S. remain focused on fostering a political process that is representative of all voices within Syria, particularly amidst rising tensions among various local power centers.

Original Source: www.newsday.com