Saudi Arabia grapples with post-Assad Syria challenges

Saudi Arabia is navigating a complex geopolitical landscape in post-Assad Syria, as the rise of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham presents challenges to its traditional influence in the region. The kingdom is attempting to engage with the new regime in Damascus while simultaneously preventing rivals like Turkey, Iran, and Qatar from filling any potential power vacuums. This balancing act is complicated by Turkey's support for the Syrian National Army, which has expanded its control in northern Syria, thereby diminishing Saudi Arabia's presence in eastern areas populated by Arabs. The dynamics of the Syrian conflict reflect a multilayered battlefield where various actors are vying for power, making Saudi Arabia's position precarious. Historical context shows that the Syrian conflict, rooted in a legacy of violence and state repression, has deeply influenced current political behaviors and mobilization efforts. As the situation evolves, Saudi Arabia's challenge remains to assert its role without inadvertently strengthening its adversaries.