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The downfall of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad has left the UK government facing difficult foreign policy dilemmas. As the regime collapsed rapidly, this sudden shift created an array of awkward questions and challenges. Facing the House of Commons, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy referred to Assad as a “monster” and a “butcher”, but the government is now faced with a rapidly changing political landscape.
One of the pressing issues facing the UK is what to do about asylum applications from Syrians. In the year leading up to September, Syria was the fifth largest national group claiming asylum in Britain, with 99% of applications being granted. However, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has suspended applications, citing the fact that many people were fleeing the Assad regime. Now that the regime has fallen, this key reason for asylum claims is no longer valid. Additionally, there are concerns that some people associated with the failed regime may try to claim asylum in the UK.
Another pressing issue is what the UK government should do about the Hayat Tahrir-al Sham (HTS) terrorist organization, which could potentially become the next recognized government of Syria. The UK government currently proscribes HTS as a terrorist group, meaning it is illegal to promote or support it. However, the situation would be different if it became the government of Syria. Cabinet Office Minister Pat McFadden has suggested that the government could make a swift decision to talk to HTS, but both the foreign secretary and the prime minister have emphasized caution and a slower pace in judging the actions of HTS.
These are just some of the issues facing the UK government as it grapples with the rapidly changing political landscape in Syria. With so much at stake, there will undoubtedly be many more difficult decisions to come
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