High-Level Talks on Syria Held in Jordan

Following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, Syrians celebrated a 'Friday of victory' with fireworks marking the end of his family's rule after over fifty years. In response, Jordan is hosting high-level talks involving diplomats from the US, EU, Turkey, and Arab nations to discuss Syria's political transition and rebuilding efforts, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254. The meetings in Aqaba include representatives from the Arab League and aim to support an inclusive political process while addressing the rights and stability of all Syrians. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is among the attendees, and a Qatari delegation plans to visit Syria to discuss aid and embassy reopening. The swift diplomatic movements come as Turkey also prepares to reopen its embassy in Damascus, which had been closed since 2012. This significant political shift follows nearly 14 years of war in Syria, which resulted in over 500,000 deaths and millions displaced.