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Refusing to return… Jaafari chooses asylum in Russia instead of going back to Damascus
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Bashar Jaafari and his family's asylum in Russia reveals deep cracks within Syrian diplomatic circles, reflecting genuine concerns among officials about returning to Damascus under the current circums
Sources from Al Arabiya/Al Hadath reported that Syria’s former UN envoy, Bashar Jaafari, and his family have been granted asylum in Russia after the Syrian government summoned him to return to Damascus.
This unexpected development signals fundamental shifts in the Syrian political landscape, as a diplomat of Jaafari’s stature seeking asylum suggests serious fractures within the ruling establishment and fear among key figures about their fate if they return home.
Sources stated on Thursday that Jaafari is expected to reject the Syrian Foreign Ministry’s directives, and his firm stance underscores the depth of the crisis. His decision to sever ties with the regime and risk his diplomatic career rather than return highlights the gravity of the situation.
This comes after Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani issued a decision two days ago to transfer Syria’s ambassador in Moscow back to the central administration in Damascus.
This move by the Syrian Foreign Ministry appears to be an attempt to reassert control over diplomats who may hold differing views—or possibly to hold them accountable for their public positions.
Jaafari had previously distanced himself from the regime’s practices, blaming what he called “the system’s mafia-like governance” for the country's deterioration. However, these remarks seem to have placed him in a precarious position, pushing him to seek asylum as a last resort to avoid direct confrontation with Damascus.
In December 2024, Jaafari made a surprising statement from Moscow, declaring that “Syria was never under a real government, but under a corrupt mafia system that mortgaged the country for its own interests.” These incendiary comments mark a dramatic shift in his stance, especially given his years as one of the most vocal defenders of Damascus’ policies in international forums.
He also asserted that Syria belongs to all its people, expressing strong confidence in the nation’s ability to overcome hardships. However, this optimistic vision seems paradoxical coming from a diplomat who has chosen to remain outside his homeland, raising questions about the political agendas behind his public statements.
