Syrian President Ahmad al-Shahrour has confirmed that his country will remain distant from the Israeli-American conflict against Iran, unless Syria is subjected to an attack. This statement was made during his visit to London, where he spoke at Chatham House, stressing the importance of preventing Syria from becoming a new war zone after 14 years of civil war.
Al-Shahrour stated, "We will not be part of the conflict unless we are attacked, and there is no diplomatic solution." His arrival at the institute was delayed by over 75 minutes due to security procedures, as a group of opposing Syrian-British organizations gathered outside the institute, accusing him of being a "terrorist" targeting minorities.
Details of the Event
Al-Shahrour's visit to London is part of a diplomatic tour in Europe aimed at securing economic aid for war-torn Syria. He had previously visited Germany, where he met with Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who predicted the return of 800,000 Syrian refugees to their homeland by 2030.
Al-Shahrour pointed out that Syria has lost over 10 million people who have left the country, in addition to approximately 250,000 missing persons. In response to a question about relations with Iran, he mentioned that his government has not established relations with Iran, referring to its interventions in Syria over the past years.
Background & Context
Historically, Syria has witnessed internal and external conflicts that have led to the deterioration of humanitarian and economic conditions. Since the onset of the civil war in 2011, the country has experienced mass displacement, with over 1.5 million Syrians fleeing to Lebanon. Following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December 2024, the new government led by al-Shahrour faces significant challenges in maintaining order and security.
Iran's interventions in Syria have been a major point of contention, with al-Shahrour considering Iran's presence in Damascus as problematic, while expressing no issue with its presence in Tehran. He also noted that Iran's development of ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons increases instability in the region.
Impact & Consequences
Concerns are rising that any escalation in the conflict between Israel and Iran could have serious repercussions for Syria. Al-Shahrour confirmed that Syria could be targeted, raising questions about the government's ability to manage increasing crises. Furthermore, the ongoing Israeli attacks on Syria and Lebanon complicate the situation, as the United Nations reported that over 200,000 people have fled from Lebanon to Syria since the resumption of Israeli attacks.
The Syrian government is seeking to attract foreign investments by improving relations with European countries, but ongoing tensions may hinder these efforts. Al-Shahrour emphasized that the return of refugees should be organized, stressing their right to return voluntarily and with dignity.
Regional Significance
The Arab region is significantly affected by events in Syria, as any escalation in the conflict could lead to repercussions for neighboring countries. The stability of Syria is vital for regional security, especially with the increasing number of refugees and displaced persons. Additionally, relations with Iran represent a point of tension in the relationships between Arab countries and Israel.
In conclusion, the situation in Syria remains complex, as the new government strives to achieve stability under challenging conditions. The recent statements by President al-Shahrour reflect Syria's desire to avoid further conflicts, but challenges persist.