The Syrian embassy in Lebanon has suspended consular services following the arrest of relatives of former President Bashar Assad with forged passports. Lebanon has also handed over former Syrian army officers to the new Syrian government under Ahmad al-Sharaa. Tensions persist between different factions in Syria, with protests emerging against the new regime, especially concerning women’s rights.
BEIRUT (AP) — The Syrian embassy in Lebanon announced the suspension of consular services on Saturday, following the arrest of two relatives of former President Bashar Assad at Beirut airport due to alleged possession of forged passports. This suspension was ordered by the Syrian foreign ministry and is effective until further notice. Both Lebanese and Syrian officials have reported that the services were disrupted in light of the recent deportation of dozens of Syrians, including former members of the Syrian army, from Lebanon back to Syria.
The U.K.-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed that a total of 70 Syrians, including former officers, were handed over by Lebanese authorities to the new Syrian government, which is headed by Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani. Notably, regional countries are reestablishing ties with Syria’s new leadership, as Libyan and Bahraini delegations have recently made official visits to Damascus.
Ahmad al-Sharaa has managed to quell fears of retaliatory violence against communities supporting the previous regime, although tensions persist, especially between pro-Assad factions and the newly formed security forces. Moreover, sporadic clashes continue in northeastern Syria, where Kurdish forces and pro-Turkish groups vie for control amidst localized unrest.
Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department has stated that Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan regarding the evolving situation in Syria, emphasizing the necessity of supporting a Syrian-led political process that respects human rights.
On the domestic front, protests have emerged in response to the new regime, particularly from Kurdish women’s groups advocating for rights in an unstable political climate. Demonstrators argue that the newly established government is infringing upon women’s rights, with some activists claiming it is more repressive than the ousted Assad regime.
The article presents a tense atmosphere in Syria, highlighting significant actions taken by the newly established government following the ousting of former President Bashar Assad. The suspension of embassy services in Lebanon occurred amidst reports of security issues surrounding Assad’s family members and the return of former Syrian military officials. There is a clear shift in regional politics as neighboring states begin to engage with Syria’s new authorities, which are represented by the former insurgent group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Internal dissent continues, underscoring concerns among Kurdish populations regarding their rights under this new regime, signaling a possible struggle between traditional governance and emerging political dynamics.
The situation in Syria remains fluid, with the newly formed government navigating complex relationships both domestically and internationally. The suspension of consular services reflects tensions following the arrest of Assad’s relatives and the deportation of former Syrian military personnel. The emerging political landscape continues to provoke dissent among various groups, particularly women advocating for their rights amidst broader concerns about governance and civil liberties in the new Syria. As regional countries establish ties with this new leadership, the international community must watch closely to assess the impact on human rights and stability in the region.
Original Source: apnews.com
