Academics, politicians, and journalists agreed that Jordan has a unique opportunity to rebuild strategic political, economic, and trade relations with Syria while enhancing its strategic position in the region.
This came during a symposium titled "Syria After Assad: Opportunities and Challenges for Jordan and the Region" organized by the Center for Strategic Studies (CSS) at the University of Jordan (UJ). The event featured international academics, experts, politicians, and journalists.
Participants highlighted the promising efforts of Jordan’s foreign policy, indicating that His Majesty King Abdullah II was the first Arab leader to address this historic development, emphasizing Jordan’s support for the Syrian people, respect for their choices, and the need for stability in Syria to prevent chaos.
Former Prime Minister, Dr. Abdul Raouf Rawabdeh, noted the deep-rooted ties between the Jordanian and Syrian peoples, bound by shared history, blood, and destiny, commending Jordan's current political direction but urged caution due to prevailing instability and ongoing evaluations of Syria's new administration.
CSS’s Director, Prof. Hassan Momani, described Syria’s new administration as a potential stabilizing force. He emphasized Jordan’s ability to leverage its historic relations with Syrian and Iraqi communities, as well as its evolving ties with Turkey, whose strong economy could positively impact Jordan.
Director of Orient Research Centre (ORC), Dr. Samir Al-Taqi, stressed Jordan’s interest in promoting stability in Syria, citing the significant roles played by Turkey and the United States. He argued that regional support is essential for Syria to reposition itself and that Jordan can play a pivotal role in this effort.
Professor Anoush Ehteshami, from Durham University in the UK highlighted Syria’s central role in shaping Arab regional transformations, advising regional actors to study the fall of the previous regime to better predict future developments.
Professor of International Relations at Keele University, Dr. Bulent Gokay, emphasized the responsibilities of regional powers in restoring stability in Syria. He warned that failure by the new administration could lead to a renewal of civil war and called for inclusivity, democracy, and minority participation in governance.
Syrian activist Najib al-Ghadban expressed optimism about the new Syrian administration’s commitment to rebuilding Arab Syrian relations and prioritizing regional security, counterterrorism, and reconstruction. He noted the administration's need for Arab support to lift sanctions and improve its credit and security ratings.
Former Royal Court Chief, Foreign Minister, and Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Jawad Anani indicated that Syria could benefit from Jordan’s democratic experience as a model for governance aligned with regional and global dynamics while fostering a productive, non-rentier system.
Journalist Nidal Faraneh encouraged Syria to take lessons from Turkey’s political and party system to restructure its internal governance effectively.
The participants concluded that Jordan has a strategic opportunity, particularly under the new U.S. administration, to strengthen its influential role in both Syria and Iraq, while leveraging its historic ties with Turkey for regional stability.