Syria remains deeply troubled by extremism and terrorism, according to Anwar Gargash, the United Arab Emirates’ diplomatic advisor to the president. Speaking at the Manama Security Dialogue in Bahrain on Sunday, Gargash stated he was unaware of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s whereabouts when asked if Assad was currently in the UAE.
“I don’t know,” Gargash replied, underscoring the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Assad amid reports of a major power shift in Syria.
Syrian rebel forces announced on Sunday that they had ousted Assad in a swift offensive, ending a 50-year family dynasty and raising concerns about a potential surge in regional instability.
Gargash attributed Assad’s fall to political missteps, emphasizing that he had ignored opportunities for reform and reconciliation offered by several Arab nations, including the UAE.
“Assad failed to leverage the lifeline extended to him by Arab countries to engage in constitutional discussions and broader political reforms,” Gargash noted.
The UAE has been a key player in attempts to reintegrate Syria into the Arab fold after years of isolation following Assad’s reliance on Iran and Russia to suppress a Sunni-led rebellion. These efforts were partly aimed at distancing Assad from Iran and limiting arms transfers to Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Recent discussions between the U.S. and the UAE reportedly explored lifting sanctions on Assad if he reduced his ties with Iran and halted weapons routes to Hezbollah. However, with Assad’s downfall, such negotiations may now be moot.
“We are deeply concerned about chaos and extremism,” Gargash said, highlighting fears of Syria’s fragmentation. “This moment also presents an opportunity to engage with Iran on Syria’s future trajectory.”
Gargash expressed uncertainty about whether the new forces in power would foster stability or pave the way for a resurgence of radical and terrorist groups in the war-torn country.
The situation in Syria remains fluid, with the region watching closely to see how these developments will reshape the Middle East.
