The recent ousting of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria has created an unprecedented wave of diplomatic activity as global and regional powers attempt to establish relations with the newly formed Islamic-led authority in Damascus. Spain's Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, announced the appointment of a special envoy to Syria, aiming to engage with the new Syrian leadership to communicate 'clear red lines' in diplomatic relations. This statement signifies a shift in Spain's diplomatic posture, as the country aligns itself with other European nations attempting to engage constructively with the transition authorities.

The European Union is also deeply involved in shaping the future of Syria. Kaja Kallas, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, disclosed that the highest EU diplomatic representation will be present in Damascus to explore ways of interaction with the nascent government. This underscores the EU's strategy of cautious engagement with Syrian actors while advocating for a peaceful and inclusive transition.

On the United Nations front, Geir Pedersen, the UN Special Envoy to Syria, has been actively meeting with Syrian Islamist leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed Al-Jolani. These high-level discussions are part of an effort to navigate the complex political terrain post-Assad and make concrete plans for a credible political transition. Al-Sharaa's movement, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which emerged from the former Al-Nusra Front linked with Al-Qaeda, has been central to the fall of Assad. The UN resolution of 2254 serves as a foundational framework intended to guide these discussions, aiming at establishing a lasting peace.

The international community remains committed to the principles of inclusion, territorial integrity, and re-establishing normalcy in Syria, including the safe return of millions of refugees scattered mainly across Europe and the broader Middle East. However, complexities such as HTS's terrorist designation by the UN and the EU pose significant challenges for diplomatic engagements and reconstruction efforts.

While the depiction of HTS has been controversial due to its roots and past affiliations, there is an understanding among several global actors, including the United States, France, and Turkey, about their participation in Syria's future. The recent meeting in Aqaba brought together international stakeholders who unanimously supported a shared path towards stability and against terrorism.

A major concern remains the involvement of external state actors that have previously influenced the Syrian conflict dynamics. The calls for a Syria-led transition emphasize minimizing foreign military interventions that have historically exacerbated the crisis. The international community, including the EU, explicitly stresses that the future of Syria should be determined by Syrians themselves, ensuring any political structure reflects the aspirations and preserves the rights of all Syrian communities.

Overall, these intricate diplomatic engagements are reflective of a delicate balance that the international community seeks to achieve in Syria. With the collapse of Assad's administration presenting both opportunities and challenges, stakeholders are cognizant that the forthcoming steps in establishing a new order are pivotal, not just for Syria but for regional stability and security as well.