Prof. Khalaf Al-Tahat

In a move with profound strategic implications, Syria’s newly appointed president, Ahmad Al-Sharaa, visited Jordan in a diplomatic stop that signals a shift in Syria’s foreign policy. Coming on the heels of his visit to Saudi Arabia, this development underscores Damascus' effort to strengthen its Arab presence while reducing non-Arab regional influence—particularly that of Iran. However, beyond rebuilding political bridges, the visit also serves as a strategic investment in Jordan’s strong regional and international standing, especially given that certain global actors still regard the new Syrian leadership as being “under observation.”

For years, Jordan has played a pivotal role as a bridge between Syria and the international community—not just due to geography, but also because of Amman’s widely recognized political and diplomatic credibility. As Syria seeks to rebuild its relationships and reintegrate into the Arab and global landscape, Jordan appears to be the ideal partner to advocate for Syria’s interests. Critical issues such as reconstruction, the lifting of sanctions, and Syria’s reintegration into the international system all require extensive diplomatic maneuvering, an area where Jordan excels.

Jordan’s reputation as a reliable mediator makes it a key player in any future resolution of the Syrian crisis. From this perspective, Al-Sharaa’s visit can be seen as an attempt to leverage Jordan’s global outreach, particularly at a time when Western countries remain cautious in their engagement with Damascus’ new leadership.

Furthermore, the visit cannot be separated from Syria’s apparent shift in balancing its alliances—specifically by reducing Iran’s footprint in its domestic affairs. The choice of Saudi Arabia and Jordan as Al-Sharaa’s first international destinations is telling, as Riyadh and Amman, alongside Egypt, the UAE, and Qatar, are among the most influential players in shaping Syria’s future while ensuring its stability and gradual reintegration into the Arab world. This shift is an indication that Damascus is looking for a broader Arab consensus rather than remaining entangled in past alliances that led to its prolonged isolation.

At the same time, these diplomatic moves serve as a litmus test for Syria’s ability to regain trust on the international stage. Many countries still view the Syrian government with skepticism, and the notion that it remains “on trial” persists. In this context, leveraging Jordan’s diplomatic networks to reintroduce Syria’s narrative to the world could be a pivotal step in reshaping its international standing.

This visit, therefore, is not merely a ceremonial gesture. It is a calculated move aimed at restructuring Syria’s priorities to align with the shifting regional and global landscape. With mounting pressure to find a comprehensive solution to the Syrian crisis, Damascus appears to recognize the importance of engaging with influential Arab nations and tapping into their diplomatic influence to navigate the challenges ahead.

The key question remains: Can Syria successfully reposition itself through the Jordanian gateway? And can Jordan, with its extensive international and regional ties, effectively champion Syria’s case and persuade the world to turn a new page with Damascus? The coming weeks and months will offer clearer insights into the outcomes of this rapprochement and whether it will achieve the desired objectives.