Damascus' Silence in the Conflict Equation Raises Questions: A New Strategy or a Temporary Tactic?

Damascus' Silence in the Conflict Equation Raises Questions: A New Strategy or a Temporary Tactic?
August 4, 2024, 9:28 pm

Israel warning Al-Asaad

Damascus' Silence in the Conflict Equation Raises Questions: A New Strategy or a Temporary Tactic?

It seems that the Syrian regime is taking a neutral stance in the current conflict, which raises questions about the future of its relationships with its allies and its position on future developments.

In the recent speech given by Hassan Nasrallah during the funeral of military commander Fouad Shukr, who was killed by Israel, it appeared that he exempted the Syrian regime president from participating in the "Unit of the Fields" that includes forces from the resistance axis. He hasn't mentioned him since the party declared its support for Hamas in Gaza on October 8.

Syrian Neutrality Raises Questions

The Syrian regime's avoidance of involvement in regional conflicts raises several questions. Will it maintain its neutral stance if the war expands, or will it join the conflict? How will it justify its position to its allies in the resistance axis, especially Iran and Hezbollah, who supported it during the war against the Syrian opposition?

Unannounced Position

Despite Hezbollah activating the support front in southern Lebanon, the Syrian regime has remained silent and has not participated in the conflict. Even in media and political solidarity to support its ally, it did not specify its position regarding the rocket that targeted the town of Majdal Shams in the occupied Golan Heights until more than 24 hours after it fell.

Allies’ Understanding

So far, it seems that Hezbollah and Iran are avoiding, at least publicly, engaging in a discussion with the Syrian regime about its refusal to join the support front for Gaza. They prefer to keep the discussion confined to private meetings. According to party sources close to "Al-Sharq Al-Awsat," the resistance axis understands the Syrian regime's reluctance to join the support fronts for Gaza, while keeping the option of participating in the conflict if Hezbollah faces a significant Israeli attack.

Redirecting International Relations

Sources indicate that the Syrian regime currently prefers not to join the conflict while reserving the right to choose the appropriate timing to participate. Damascus is currently seeking to redirect its international relations. Opponents of the resistance axis view Syrian neutrality as part of Damascus' efforts to re-establish its relationship with the international community.

Nasrallah’s Political Speech

The question remains about the political implications of Nasrallah's speech, which aimed to boost the morale of the party's supporters and affirm the response to Shukr's assassination. Sources confirm that the party will not succumb to pressures to deter it from responding and that Iran will not accept the assassination of Haniyeh without a response.

International Mediation Efforts

According to information from "Al-Sharq Al-Awsat," foreign ambassadors in Beirut are seeking to pass messages advising to temporally separate responses to Israel, giving a chance for international mediations to prevent the conflict from expanding. The party remains committed to responding, reserving the right to determine the timing and place.

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