Will Saudi Arabia and U.A.E. fail in their fight against Islamist groups after the rebel takeover?

Syria, historically aligned with Iran, experienced a significant political shift with the overthrow of dictator Bashar al-Assad. This development created a power vacuum in the region as Iran's influence waned, allowing Gulf states like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to reconsider their diplomatic strategies. However, the rise of Islamist factions, particularly Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which has connections to extremism, complicates their approach. The Gulf nations have expressed that any political and financial support is contingent on the new leaders demonstrating inclusivity and tolerance toward Syria's diverse religious sects. Concerns have been echoed by Anwar Gargash, a diplomatic adviser in the UAE, who pointed out the implications of past affiliations of these rebel groups with Al Qaeda, highlighting the need for a strategy that would prevent the empowerment of extremist ideologies in the region. As both countries navigate their next steps, they remain watchful of the evolving political landscape and the dominant role of rebel factions, signaling a cautious but potentially strategic approach to reestablishing ties with the new Syrian government.