Canada’s New Envoy Warns of “Darker Forces” in Syria Amid Deadly Violence

Canada’s newly appointed Special Envoy for Syria, Omar Alghabra, has sounded the alarm over the escalating violence in Syria, urging the international community to act swiftly to prevent the country from falling into the hands of harmful forces. Speaking on The West Block, Alghabra emphasized the critical need for global engagement to ensure stability in Syria and protect its people from further suffering. The envoy, who reports directly to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, highlighted the recent surge in violence as a stark reminder of the dangers of neglecting the crisis.

Recent Violence Highlights the Fragility of Syria’s Situation

Over the past week, Syria has witnessed devastating clashes between government security forces and loyalists of former President Bashar al-Assad, resulting in the deaths of over 1,000 people, including 750 civilians. The violence has also displaced families from several villages, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Alghabra linked the chaos to the retreat of Russian and Iranian-backed militants following the collapse of the Assad regime, stressing that competing interests and power vacuums are creating fertile ground for instability. He warned that without international intervention, darker forces could exploit the situation, worsening conditions for the Syrian people and the wider region.

A Call for International Engagement and Accountability

Alghabra underscored the importance of ensuring that external influences, particularly from Russia and Iran, do not undermine Syria’s recovery. He asserted that the international community must support the Syrian government and civil society to build immunity against foreign interference. During a recent conference in Paris, Alghabra and Joly met with Syria’s new Foreign Minister, discussing the country’s vision for the future. While acknowledging positive rhetoric about an inclusive, civil society-based Syria, Alghabra emphasized the need to hold the new government accountable for its actions and commitments.

Canada’s Approach: Balancing Sanctions and Support

To support Syria’s transition, Alghabra suggested that Canada and other nations could ease certain sanctions while maintaining pressure on the government to deliver results. He also called for increased international support, including assistance to civil society to strengthen governance and democracy. “The best way to do this is by strengthening civil society and supporting their efforts in having a democratic, stable Syria,” he said. Alghabra expressed confidence in the resilience and potential of the Syrian people but remained cautious about the government’s intentions, particularly given the leadership of Ahmed al-Sharaa, who also heads Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a group Canada has designated as a terrorist organization since 2013.

A Special Bond Between Canada and Syria

Alghabra, who is of Syrian-Canadian heritage, highlighted the deep connection between Canada and Syria, rooted in the country’s welcoming of over 100,000 Syrian refugees since the civil war began. “Tens of thousands of Canadian families opened up their doors and their hearts to Syrian families escaping violence,” he said. Syrians have integrated into Canadian society, contributing as professionals, entrepreneurs, and skilled workers. This bond, Alghabra explained, fuels Canada’s desire to support Syria’s recovery and ensure a peaceful, democratic future for its people.

Looking Ahead: A Multipronged Effort for Peace and Stability

Canada is working with international partners and local allies to support Syria’s transition through initiatives such as constitutional reforms, public governance frameworks, and free elections. Alghabra noted that these efforts are still in their early stages but stressed the importance of careful monitoring to ensure they benefit the Syrian people. By combining diplomatic pressure, targeted support, and a commitment to accountability, Canada hopes to play a pivotal role in helping Syria avoid further chaos and build a brighter future. As Alghabra said, “We need to give them a chance” to realize their vision of a stable, inclusive society.