Everyone I met expressed heartfelt prayers for the Syrian people, hoping they will succeed in rebuilding their country. Perhaps this great people will learn from the experiences of other nations — from those who failed to unite their ranks and those who succeeded by coming together to build their homelands. The situation in Libya, for example, still suffers from a lack of rational leadership, with some prioritizing personal interests over the love of their homeland. On the other hand, Syria can draw lessons from Kuwait’s experience. Kuwait, after being devastated by invasion and the flight of many of its citizens, saw a united return. Its people rejected division and were determined to rebuild their country.

It is beyond doubt that the phrase “Syria is the beating heart of the Arab world” holds significant truth. Unfortunately, past rulers of Syria attempted to abandon this old slogan, pledging loyalty to foreign powers, believing they could continue without the will of their people. Ultimately, the Syrian people had the final say, and Syria returned to the Arab fold.

If the current leaders of Syria are committed to keeping their country free from conflict and division, there is no doubt they can successfully defend against these challenges. I hope our Gulf countries, known for their moderation and sincere counsel, will take the initiative to engage with Syria’s leaders, offering support and advice, and standing with them against those who seek to sow discord and undermine the state.

The Gulf countries, together with Egypt and Jordan, are well-positioned to assist Syria in overcoming this critical phase. I hope they will reach out directly to Syria’s leadership, as I believe they already have, to hear from them away from Western reports or the narratives pushed by the fifth column — certain factions whose true motives remain unclear. Syria today stands at a crossroads. It is the Syria of the Levant, home to a unique and resilient people, whose revival is essential to the renaissance of the entire Arab nation. Let us not miss this opportunity. May Almighty Allah be with them, and with all of us.

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