Longstanding demands for Assad’s ouster on the part of the United States and its western allies have shifted recently against the backdrop of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist group’s encroachment and Russia’s assistance for Assad in fighting the militant group.
"There is an emerging view in some quarters that the only conceivable option would be a national unity government involving President Assad,” Bishop said in an interview with The Weekend Australian, Sputnik News reported.
She said there is “emerging consensus” that the Syrian leader will likely play a pivotal role in preventing the Arab republic from becoming a failed state.
However, the Australian diplomat said Assad’s role “would likely be temporary.”
Bishop’s about-face reflects the policy shift that is anticipated with the recent change in Australian leadership. Malcolm Turnbull replaced Tony Abbott as prime minister of Australia last week after a vote in the ruling Liberal party.
On the next day, Australian Defense Minister Kevin Andrews confirmed the Oceanian country had launched its first anti-ISIL airstrikes in Syria.