Ahmad Al Shara, Syria’s new leader, visited Jordan to meet King Abdullah, discussing security issues along their border that influence trade and movement. Jordan aims to aid Syria’s rebuilding while challenges remain, including territorial control by HTS and ethnic tensions. The visit underscores historical ties and current geopolitical complexities following Syria’s civil war.
Syrian leader Ahmad Al Shara visited Jordan for the first time on Wednesday, meeting with King Abdullah to discuss pressing security concerns along their shared border. This visit aims to address issues affecting trade and the movement of people between the two nations, according to the Royal Palace.
Jordan’s state television reported the kingdom’s willingness to assist in Syria’s rebuilding efforts and contribute to its stability following a prolonged civil war lasting 13 years. Al Shara, recently appointed President of Syria, formerly led the militant group Hayat Tahrir Al Sham, working to oust former president Bashar Al Assad.
Al Shara’s government faces challenges in consolidating control in Syria’s outlying areas, especially from various religious and ethnic factions, including the Druze community near the Jordanian border. The dynamics in southern Syria have been complicated by Israel’s recent declaration against the spread of HTS forces, leading to Israeli strikes on targets affiliated with Assad’s regime.
Jordan, which had normalized relations with Assad prior to his removal in December, sees the need to counter Islamist militants. The HTS group has historical ties to Al Qaeda and retains foreign fighters, including Jordanians, among its ranks. Following the regime’s downfall, HTS forces have established a presence along the border area, a key route for the Captagon drug trade.
Currently, Syrians are predominantly prohibited from entering Jordan, while Jordanian citizens require security clearance for travel to Syria. In the pre-civil war era, millions of Jordanians frequented Syria for shopping, tourism, and business. Jordan had also attempted to negotiate electricity sales with the Assad regime, but those efforts failed due to U.S. sanctions, which have since loosened after his removal.
Ahmad Al Shara’s visit to Jordan highlights ongoing security dialogues between the two nations, focusing on border issues and regional stability. Al Shara’s leadership is challenged by internal resistances in Syria, while Jordan expresses a commitment to aid in its recovery. The historical context of relations and the complexities arising from militia activities further complicate the situation in the region.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
