The scenes that emerged from Syria this week recalled some of the headiest days of the Arab Spring. Rebels had toppled a dictator and people danced in the streets. At the same time, crowds of Syrians broke open regime prisons, freeing their loved ones and hundreds more political detainees. This pivotal moment reflects both women's empowerment in protests and the collective end of fear that has redefined Syrian identity amidst rebellion.
The renewed revolutionary fervor, in a region still ruled by autocrats, has unsettled Arab leaders, many of whom had recently resumed ties with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The leaders— from Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates— are worried that Assad's ouster could stir unrest at home, say analysts, officials and diplomats. This reflects broader concerns about maintaining stability in an environment where revolutions can incite similar movements.
In the days since HTS took the capital, causing Assad to flee to Moscow, the predominantly Sunni Arab states have been cautiously engaged. In public statements, they have urged Syrians to maintain state institutions and to ensure that the political transition is inclusive. This responsiveness highlights the careful balancing act these states must pursue while navigating shifts in power dynamics within Syria.
The apprehension toward the rebels was apparent from the start: Last Saturday, as the opposition closed in, foreign ministers from several Arab countries huddled for an emergency meeting on the sidelines of a conference in Doha, later releasing a plea to the rebels to halt their advance and hold talks with the regime. This reflects deep concerns over the potential for instability that might follow a power vacuum in Syria.
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