Introduction:

The Syrian diplomatic scene witnessed an unprecedented surge of activity within just one week, marked by official visits conducted by Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shaar and his Foreign Minister As‘ad Al-Shaybani to three highly influential regional countries: Turkey, followed by the UAE, and finally Qatar.

This tour is far from a mere ceremonial gesture—it represents a compass guiding the repositioning of the new Syria within its regional and international spheres. It is a clear message from the emerging Syrian leadership that it is choosing balanced openness and diversified partnerships, steering away from rigid geopolitical alignments.

First: The Triangular Dimension and Its Impact on Syria’s Political and Security Stability:

Turkey, the UAE, and Qatar form the three sides of a strategic triangle spanning the Gulf and the Levant, encircling one of the region’s most volatile areas: Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and Palestine. Merely engaging within this triangle offers the new Damascus three intersecting advantages:

Indirect security guarantees with its surroundings—particularly considering Turkey’s influence over armed opposition groups, Qatar’s leverage over certain factions and files, and the UAE’s balanced relations with Israel and the West.
Multiple diplomatic gateways to break out of previous isolation and reconnect with the international system through trusted regional partners.
A deterrent to Israeli or Iranian intrusions via a regional web of interests that seeks to prevent Syria from sliding back into open conflict.

Second: The Significance of the Chronological Order of the Tour

Starting with Turkey:
Choosing Turkey as the first stop reflects the priority of security and border issues, and a genuine intent to address the legacies of war—especially concerning armed Kurdish forces and the refugee issue.
It also signals that the new Syria is open to a smart normalization with Turkey, as long as it respects Syrian sovereignty and lays the groundwork for partnership rather than guardianship.
The Middle Stop: The UAE
The UAE represents political rationality and "cold diplomacy" in the region. The mere stop in Abu Dhabi reflects Syria’s desire to build an economic and developmental vision backed by Emirati expertise in post-war management and strategic investment partnerships that can stimulate the reconstruction process—away from ideological or sectarian considerations.
The Conclusion: Qatar
Qatar holds clear media and financial influence and is tied to sensitive files in Syria (political opposition, jihadists, and the humanitarian file). The final visit signals Syria’s readiness to engage with these “difficult files” and to open a new chapter beyond the pre-2011 era. This could contribute to managing internal balance and the opposition abroad in a smart way—without falling into dependency or factional loyalties.

Third: The International Impact – A Gateway to Washington Through Regional Entrances

Through this trilateral tour, the new Syrian leadership sends a message to the United States: "We do not follow a bloc—we are reshaping Syria’s own axis," relying on regional partners who hold strong relations with Washington:

Turkey is a NATO member and a key player in the Kurdish file.
The UAE is a trusted strategic ally of the U.S. and Israel, especially in matters of normalization and energy.
Qatar serves as a heavyweight hub for indirect dialogue with international actors, particularly through flexible media and diplomatic channels.

Fourth: An Analysis of Each Country’s Strategic Weight and Potential Benefit to the New Syria

Turkey

Strategic Strengths:

Shares a border with Syria.
Direct influence over field forces in northern Syria.
NATO membership.

Potential Benefits for the New Syria:

Managing the Kurdish file.
Joint security coordination.
Preparing the environment for the voluntary return of refugees.
Enhancing border understandings.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Strategic Strengths:

Significant economic and investment power.
Experience in post-war file management.
Political openness and strong ties with the West.

Potential Benefits for the New Syria:

Supporting reconstruction projects.
Attracting developmental investments.
Providing a safe passage to international forums.
Contributing to the stability of the state and its institutions.

Qatar

Strategic Strengths:

International media influence.
Flexible relations with the West and opposition factions.
Considerable financial and humanitarian capacity.

Potential Benefits for the New Syria:

Contributing to the neutralization of external opposition.
Easing negative media campaigns.
Opening indirect diplomatic channels with major powers.
Supporting humanitarian projects inside Syria.

Conclusion: The Syrian Future Movement’s Vision

The Syrian Future Movement views this tour not merely as an opening to regional capitals, but as an opening to new roles for Syria within its surroundings.

It represents an attempt to build strategic balances beyond deadly alignments and to reshape the regional landscape with a purely Syrian hand.

We at the Syrian Future Movement believe that engaging with states that differ in their political alignments—Turkey and Qatar on one side, and the UAE on the other—is a form of soft political intelligence that must be built upon and managed with advanced diplomacy. This approach should leverage the diversity of others' interests to construct a unified national interest for Syria, founded on sovereignty, development, and stability.

Dr. Zaher Baadarani

Presidency office

Article

Syrian Future Movement

President Al-Shaar’s Visit to Turkey, the UAE, and Qatar – A Regional Trio with Strategic Dimensions for Syria