Jordan is intensifying its diplomatic and humanitarian engagement in southern Syria, with efforts centering on the restive Suwayda province. According to Al-Quds Al-Arabi, US Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack is coordinating with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, several Arab foreign ministers, and Turkey’s top diplomat to prepare for a meeting in Amman between representatives of the Syrian government and community leaders from Suwayda.
Two sources, one American and one Syrian, told the newspaper the gathering, planned for late next week, has strong international and regional backing. Organizers are seeking to bring influential Druze cleric Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri to the table, along with prominent local figures and faction commanders. It remains unclear whether invitations will reach Suleiman Abdulbaqi and Laith al-Balous.
However, preparations suggest Hijri’s attendance is unlikely, partly due to the absence of Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani. Official representation from Damascus will reportedly be limited to internal security chief Ahmad al-Dalati, Daraa public security commander Shaher Omran, and Suwayda Governor Mustafa al-Bakour.
A Uniquely Positioned Province
Located in southwestern Syria near the Jordanian border, Suwayda is home to a majority Druze population and has largely avoided large-scale fighting during the country’s 13-year conflict. However, it has experienced periodic unrest, driven by economic hardship, security incidents, and political discontent. Local factions often operate independently from Damascus, and prominent religious leaders, such as Hijri, hold significant sway over community decisions—and private militias.
In recent months, tensions have grown as residents protested deteriorating living conditions, while Damascus sought to reassert authority. This mix of local autonomy and national pressure has made Suwayda a focal point for both domestic and international attention.
Evacuations Underscore Humanitarian Urgency
Jordan’s Foreign Ministry announced on Aug. 6 the evacuation of 83 Jordanian citizens from Suwayda through the Nasib-Jaber border crossing. The operation, conducted in coordination with Syria’s Foreign Ministry and other state agencies, used buses operated by the Syrian Arab Red Crescent.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ambassador Sufyan Qudah expressed gratitude to Syrian authorities for facilitating the process and reaffirmed Jordan’s commitment to securing the prompt return of its nationals. The latest evacuation follows a July 31 mission that brought 112 Jordanians and nationals of other countries to safety at the request of their governments.
Strategic Interest in Syrian Stability
Jordan has consistently framed Syria’s unity and stability as a national and regional priority. On August 7, Jordanian spokesman Muhammad al-Moumani addressed Ajloun forum attendees emphasizing a stable Syria fosters conditions for the safe, voluntary return of refugees in line with international law. Jordan’s PM Jafar Hassan echoed that stance in July, affirming Jordan’s readiness to support “Syrian brothers in achieving their goals” through diplomacy.
As the Amman meeting approaches, Jordan’s role appears to be shifting from humanitarian facilitator to key diplomatic broker in southern Syria’s complex political landscape. Whether those efforts yield progress in Suwayda may hinge on the participation of its most influential local leaders.
