Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, recently criticized Israel, claiming it fights “ghosts” and exports its problems to other regions. His remarks came during an international conference in Doha, amidst ongoing Israeli airstrikes in southern Syria.
Sharaa emphasized Syria’s commitment to a 1974 disengagement agreement with Israel, which has somehow held for over 50 years. He cautioned that altering this deal or proposing new arrangements, like a demilitarized zone, could lead to unexpected dangers.
Since climbing to power a year ago, Sharaa has sought to convey a message of peace to Israel. He described Israel’s reaction to its conflicts, particularly with Hamas, as an overreach. “They use every security concern to justify extreme measures,” he stated, referencing how Israel has conducted over 1,000 airstrikes and hundreds of incursions into Syria.
The situation has become precarious for Syrians, particularly near Damascus. Sharaa claimed they are working with influential nations to urge Israel to withdraw its forces from occupied territories, aiming to return to the borders that existed before December 8.
Recently, Donald Trump suggested that Israel should cooperate with the Syrian leader, hinting at potential repercussions for continued Israeli actions in Syria. Sharaa raised valid concerns about who would safeguard a proposed demilitarized zone if the Syrian army is absent.
Israeli leaders express fears over terrorist groups tied to Hamas and potential invasions. They’ve taken control of a sizable buffer zone in southern Syria, further complicating the situation.
Sharaa, often compared to a rock star for his charisma, defended the integrity of recent elections in Syria, though they faced accusations of bias. He argued that governance in Syria should be rooted in institutions, not individuals. He promised a more democratic process in four years, claiming that women in Syria have nothing to fear.
Historically, the Israeli-Syrian conflict has roots that trace back decades, and while Sharaa calls for reform and stability, the complexity of the region’s political landscape remains. With ongoing tensions and external pressures, finding common ground appears increasingly challenging.
For more insights into the broader implications of Israel’s actions, you can read about the situation across the region in this Guardian article.
