Turkey Reopens Its Embassy in Syria for the First Time Since 2012 Amid Political Changes

Turkey's Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, announced that Turkey's embassy in Damascus will reopen on Saturday, marking its first operation since 2012. In an interview with NTV, Fidan stated that an interim chargé d'affaires and a delegation had already departed for Damascus. The embassy had closed due to the Syrian civil war's escalating violence, prompting the withdrawal of all staff and their families.

Earlier on Friday, thousands gathered at Damascus' historic main mosque for the first Muslim Friday prayers since President Bashar Assad's ouster. Large crowds also celebrated in the capital's main square and across Syria. This marked a significant moment following the insurgents' takeover of Damascus nearly a week ago, ending Assad's half-century rule.

Political Transition in Syria

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with regional allies to discuss Syria's transition. He called for an "inclusive and non-sectarian" interim government. Blinken visited Iraq after talks in Jordan and Turkey, which supports some Syrian insurgent factions. However, US officials have not engaged directly with Syria's new leaders.

The main insurgent group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), is working to establish security and initiate a political transition after seizing Damascus. HTS aims to reassure the public about its intentions, distancing itself from its extremist past despite being labeled a terrorist group by the US and Europe.

Reactions from Insurgent Leaders

HTS leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, congratulated Syrians on their "victory of the blessed revolution" in a video message. He urged people to celebrate peacefully without causing fear. Al-Sharaa promised to rebuild Syria with divine assistance.

In Damascus' Umayyad Mosque, many waved the rebel opposition flag during Friday prayers. The mosque holds historical significance as one of the world's oldest, dating back 1,200 years. Under Assad's rule, sermons were tightly controlled. Mohammed al-Bashir, HTS's interim prime minister, delivered the sermon.

International Dynamics

The Sunni Arab insurgents who overthrew Assad received crucial support from Turkey. Turkey opposes any gains by Syria's Kurds and controls a strip of Syrian territory along their shared border. The US has troops in eastern Syria combating Islamic State remnants and supports Kurdish-led fighters controlling most of the east.

Israel has conducted airstrikes across Syria since Assad's fall to prevent weapons from reaching extremists. Israel has also seized southern Syrian territory near the Golan Heights as a buffer zone.

Future Prospects for Syria

After discussions with Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Blinken noted "broad agreement" between Turkey and the US on Syria's future. They envision an inclusive interim government that protects minority rights and poses no threat to neighbors. Fidan emphasized establishing stability quickly and preventing terrorism from gaining ground.

Ankara considers both IS and the PKK terrorist groups within Turkey and opposes Kurdish-backed forces in Syria supported by the US. Winning international recognition for a new Syrian government remains crucial amid foreign powers' involvement in the region.