
Washington: No Alternative to Dialogue for Syrians
Syria's As-Suwayda Crisis Tests New Government's Authority as US Envoy Calls for Dialogue
The new Syrian government faces its first major test of authority as deadly clashes in As-Suwayda province between local factions and tribal militias have killed and wounded thousands, forcing tens of thousands to flee. US envoy to Syria Tom Berrak's call for dialogue and accountability underscores the fragile security situation confronting Damascus just weeks into its transitional period.
Fragile Ceasefire Brings Cautious Relief
A ceasefire agreement between warring factions has enabled the safe evacuation of Bedouin families who had been trapped in As-Suwayda city for several days. Syria's Interior Ministry released what it described as the first images of families leaving under heavy security escort, with Brigadier Ahmad al-Dalati, the provincial internal security commander, personally overseeing the operation.
The agreement allows for the safe passage of remaining tribal members from areas across the province, marking a tentative step toward de-escalation in the violence-torn region.
US Diplomatic Pressure Mounts
Berrak's intervention reflects Washington's cautious approach to Syria's new leadership. While acknowledging that "the Syrian government has fulfilled its commitments and made no mistakes in this regard," the US envoy emphasized that dialogue remains the only viable path forward for Syrians.
His comments carry particular weight given the timing—the new Syrian government, described by Berrak as still "in its early stages," must demonstrate its capacity to protect minorities while establishing legitimate authority across diverse regions.
Testing Ground for Minority Protection
The As-Suwayda crisis presents a critical test case for the government's commitment to minority rights. The province, home to Syria's Druze minority, has historically maintained a degree of autonomy and has been skeptical of central authority. How Damascus handles this situation will likely influence other minority communities' confidence in the new order.
Infrastructure and Governance Challenges
As-Suwayda Governor Mustafa al-Bakour painted a stark picture of the province's condition, describing the situation as "very bad" and warning that security instability prevents the restoration of basic services. Water, electricity, and essential services remain suspended until state institutions can safely enter the province.
Al-Bakour's emphasis on dialogue and reconciliation as prerequisites for stability echoes broader challenges facing Syria's transition. The governor's admission that "we hope we can enter the province to begin repairs and work" reveals the extent to which central authority has been compromised in peripheral regions.
Implications for Syria's Transition
The As-Suwayda violence exposes the delicate balance the new Syrian government must strike between asserting authority and accommodating local power structures. Unlike previous government approaches that relied heavily on military force, the current emphasis on dialogue suggests a recognition that sustainable control requires legitimacy, not just coercion.
For international observers, the crisis serves as an early indicator of whether Syria's new leadership can manage the complex ethnic and tribal dynamics that have historically destabilized the country. The US diplomatic engagement, while measured, suggests cautious optimism that negotiated solutions remain possible.
Regional Stability at Stake
The successful resolution of the As-Suwayda crisis could establish a template for addressing similar conflicts elsewhere in Syria. However, failure to restore stability in this strategically important southern province—which borders Jordan—could encourage other regions to challenge central authority, potentially undermining the entire transitional process.
As state institutions prepare to re-enter As-Suwayda under the fragile ceasefire, the coming weeks will test whether Syria's new government can translate diplomatic rhetoric into effective governance on the ground.