Syria's Assad Seizes Opportunity Through Disaster Diplomacy to Inch Back onto World Stage

Syria's Assad takes advantage of international attention to revive his image, while the earthquake reveals the country's weak infrastructure and limited international support.

Syria's President, Bashar al-Assad, has taken advantage of the international attention following the recent earthquake to make a bid for rehabilitation into the global community. This event offers a moment for Assad to advance his slow-burn efforts of returning to the international fold through disaster diplomacy, which has resulted in several world leaders contacting him and international aid coming into the country. Nevertheless, it remains a Pyrrhic victory for the leader, given that most of the support comes from allies such as China, Russia, and Iran, who provide aid only in battle situations, not to support struggling civilians.

The disaster has exposed the limits of the alliances that the Assad regime has built and its failure to support its citizens' needs. Additionally, the earthquake has exacerbated the existing economic and social challenges that the country faces, making the situation even more desperate for the civilians. There are many areas in the country where there is a shortage of medical equipment, medicines, and heavy machinery required for rescue missions. The regime's continued struggle for control over Syria has meant that large parts of the country are controlled by different groups, including opposition forces, Islamist rebels, and Kurdish fighters. There are still nearly 900 American troops in Syria, and the country remains plagued by chronic food and fuel shortages, as well as having millions of displaced citizens.

This situation highlights the difficulty of Assad's position in trying to rebuild Syria. Although the disaster has improved his standing globally, the lack of significant substantive change or the lifting of economic sanctions by the US and Europe that were imposed in response to his regime's atrocities continues to isolate Syria. The earthquake has also revealed the shortcomings of the Syrian government, which despite reclaiming much of the country's territory, has failed to address the social and economic issues that plague the nation. The limitations of the support from his allies have been made clear, making it necessary for Syria to find other ways of addressing its problems.

As the country grapples with its crises, the earthquake has exposed the weak infrastructure that is in place in Syria, with most buildings in the area unable to withstand the tremors. This has left thousands of people injured or homeless, with some areas becoming vulnerable to disease outbreaks. The regime's efforts to maintain power have left the country penniless and fragmented, with citizens feeling the brunt of the economic collapse. The aftermath of the earthquake is a sobering reminder of the critical issues that the country must address to get back on its feet.