A delegation from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has arrived in Damascus, marking a significant development in Syria's post-Assad era. This visit, the first since the overthrow of former President Bashar Assad, highlights the international community's efforts to address concerns over chemical weapon usage in the country.
The OPCW, a prominent global watchdog, has previously discovered multiple instances of chemical weapon use by Assad's regime during Syria's long-standing civil conflict. Syria became a member of the OPCW in 2013 to avert potential airstrikes from international forces, particularly after a notorious chemical attack near Damascus. The Assad government consistently denied these allegations, yet the evidence proved otherwise.
Recently, attention has also turned to the potential use of mustard gas by the Islamic State against the town of Marea, further emphasizing the region's complex entanglement with chemical warfare. The current visit by the OPCW delegation involves crucial meetings with new Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani. These discussions aim to foster cooperation between Syria's new administration and the OPCW’s technical experts.
With the political landscape shifting in Syria, Qatar's embassy in The Hague has facilitated communication between the OPCW and the new regime, ensuring that the lines of dialogue remain open and effective. The sudden overthrow of Assad's administration triggered an urgent convening at the OPCW to address the fate of Syria's chemical stockpiles. This has become a priority for the new leadership in Damascus, tasked with adhering to international regulations on the management of hazardous materials, including chlorine gas.
Compounding these challenges are allegations that recent Israeli airstrikes on former military installations may have caused potential contamination with toxic chemicals or obliterated crucial evidence. These concerns underline the urgency of the OPCW’s mission to Syria.
Formed in 1997 through the Chemical Weapons Convention, the OPCW comprises 193 member states committed to the eradication of chemical weaponry globally. The organization gained international acclaim, earning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013 for its dedication to disarmament. Over the years, the OPCW has made headway in assessing Syria's chemical arsenal, listing dangerous substances such as sarin and chlorine. However, the collapse of relations with Assad’s government stalled these efforts, making renewed dialogue essential.
This visit marks the first time OPCW officials have re-entered Syria since 2022, bringing fresh hope for progress. The future of Syria's compliance with international norms under a new government remains at the forefront of global scrutiny. The world watches closely as Syria navigates its post-conflict challenges while addressing past grievances related to chemical weapon use.
As the OPCW continues its mission to oversee and dismantle chemical weapon programs, collaborative international engagement remains crucial for ensuring lasting peace and security in the region.