Syria has been undergoing a rapid transformation since the downfall of Bashar al-Asad’s tyrannical regime during a major offensive by opposition forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in December 2024. Qatar was among the first countries to open up its embassy in Damascus after the escape of Assad to Moscow. Qatar’s ruling Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani was the first head of any foreign state to land in Damascus, demonstrating Qatar’s position as a vital player in the Syrian future. During his meeting with the transitional president of Syria, Al Sharaa, he stressed upon the formation of an inclusive government in Syria, expressing Qatar’s commitment to political reconciliation for post-war stabilization in Syria.

By leveraging its economic strength, diplomatic skills, and non-alliance policy, Qatar has the potential to emerge as a key architect in Syria’s reconstruction and stability

Doha, opposed to its Arab neighbors, discontinued its diplomatic relations with Damascus in July 2011 and never officially recognized Assad’s government. Doha has traditionally supported the opposition forces in Syria which positioned it as a strong actor to play an influential role in the current Syrian administration. By leveraging its economic strength, diplomatic skills, and non-alliance policy, Qatar has the potential to emerge as a key architect in Syria’s reconstruction and stability. However, Qatar’s Syrian strategy demands strategic caution as Syria is still a geopolitical battlefield for regional rivalries and global power competition.

Doha, known for its capacity for global mediation and effective diplomatic channels has facilitated communication between the Syrian interim government and regional countries

Doha, known for its capacity for global mediation and effective diplomatic channels has facilitated communication between the Syrian interim government and regional countries. Doha’s skillful diplomacy has garnered appreciation from world leaders recognizing its capacity to navigate complex crises.

Qatar was among the first few countries to mobilize aid relief plans carrying essential items including food, medicines, and emergency shelters for the displaced people. Doha has also collaborated with Türkiye to address the energy needs of the war-torn country. Besides this, Doha has expressed its interest in cooperation with the Syrian government in multiple joint sectors such as the aviation industry, energy ministry, healthcare sector, and infrastructure development. However, Qatar’s Syria strategy will be determined by the precision of its strategy not by the scale of its investment.

Syria’s strategic location, geopolitical significance, and instability have made it a central point for interventions by various political actors

Qatar’s economic strength and deft diplomacy give it a unique advantage in Syria, especially in humanitarian aid and reconstruction. Syria’s strategic location, geopolitical significance, and instability have made it a central point for interventions by various political actors. The reconstruction is a high-stake game for various actors, including Russia, Iran, the United States of America, China, Türkiye, and the Gulf States- competing for contracts and political influence. These countries will continue to pursue their respective agendas via indirect military presence, various economic initiatives, or political maneuvering.

Russia being the most dominant external player and a close ally of Assad’s regime desires to counterbalance the West through military presence or economic agreements

Another challenge of Qatar’s Syrian policy would be to navigate the ongoing major power competition in Syria where Russia, the United States of America, and China have their interests. Russia being the most dominant external player and a close ally of Assad’s regime desires to counterbalance the West through military presence or economic agreements. US’s primary target is the Islamic State to contain Iranian militias whereas China has expressed interest in integrating Syria into the Belt and Road initiative, projecting itself as a neutral partner.

On the regional front, Iran a staunch ally of Assad, has heavily invested in military and economic infrastructure. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have also expressed their interest in the reconstruction of Syria. Türkiye is another important factor, as it is heavily focused on containing Kurdish influence and maintaining its military presence in Northern Syria.

Over the years, Qatar has emerged as a credible mediator and humanitarian actor on the global stage

Over the years, Qatar has emerged as a credible mediator and humanitarian actor on the global stage. It can carve out a meaningful role in Syria without risking its own regional and global strategic position. Qatar needs to balance its economic aid with cautious engagement and avoid ideological affiliations. Qatar’s historic support for Islamic factions, such as the Muslim Brotherhood, has attracted negative sentiments from its neighbors. A pragmatic approach will yield effective results in the volatile political situation of Syria.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.