Following a surge of violence in Syria, the United States and Russia have taken the unusual step of calling for a closed-door meeting of the United Nations Security Council. This meeting is set for March 10 in New York, highlighting a rare moment of cooperation between the two countries amid ongoing tensions.
The urgency for this meeting comes after reports of horrific violence in northwestern Syria, where at least 1,311 people, mostly civilians, have lost their lives. The violence escalated after an ambush by forces loyal to former president Bashar al-Assad, which was met with brutal retaliation from government security forces. The situation has become dire, particularly for the Alawite community, who are viewed as enemies by Sunni extremists, and for other religious minorities like Christians and Druze.
Ahmed al-Sharaa, the new leader of Syria, faces significant challenges. His group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which is linked to Al Qaeda, overthrew Assad in December 2024. Many are now questioning his promises of unity and safety for minority groups in the country. His past as an Al Qaeda leader raises doubts about his commitment to peace.
In recent days, Tulsi Gabbard, the U.S. director of national intelligence, has warned about the dangers of Assad’s removal and the rise of extremist groups in Syria. Despite criticism labeling her as an Assad supporter, the current violence seems to validate her concerns.
Sharaa is expected to announce a new government soon, amid pressure from Western and Arab nations for an inclusive approach that reflects Syria’s diverse population. However, the recent massacres have likely deepened mistrust among minorities towards the government, complicating efforts for reconciliation.
Adding to the political pressure, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the recent killings and expressed support for Syria’s religious minorities. He called for accountability for those responsible for the violence. This marks a significant shift in U.S. policy, as it aligns with Russia’s stance for the first time since the Syrian civil war began in 2011.
The collaboration between the U.S. and Russia at the UN is noteworthy, as both countries have previously been at odds over Syria. This newfound cooperation could signal a thawing of relations, which may open doors to addressing other global issues, including conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The coming days will be crucial as the international community watches how Sharaa responds to the growing crisis and whether the U.S. and Russia can maintain their collaborative efforts.