Salafi-jihadist chaos in Syria, an opportunity for Israel

by time news

After months of war, Israel managed to crush teh⁤ Sunni resistance in the Gaza Strip⁣ and the⁤ Shiite ‍resistance⁢ in Lebanon, ‌Yemen and Iran. Now⁢ it is​ the turn of Syria, an unstable country, ⁣administered in most of its territory, sometimes only⁣ nominally, by a government led from Damascus by ⁢an⁣ Alawite ‍president, a small⁢ branch of​ Shiism.

After⁢ some conquests ‍in the north, the rebels⁤ quickly head south,⁢ were the capital is located. The most meaningful thing about this lightning offensive is the lack of resistance offered ⁣by the army. Perhaps this ⁣shows that the regime is⁤ going ‌through a prolonged crisis, ⁣which will⁢ be definitive if it does not change direction with the immediate support of Iran,​ Russia and Hezbollah.

The​ Ba’athist ideology, ⁣that is, pan-Arab socialism, is today a caricature of what this movement represented in the seventies of​ the last⁢ century. The destruction of Syrian Baathism began ⁣before the spring ​of 2011, although everything ⁤has worsened precipitously since that year. ​And now, the ⁣rebel push ‍leaves President Bashar al-Assad in a⁣ dramatic situation.

We need to make a digression⁣ to underline that those we now call “rebels” until four days ago were Salafi-jihadists ‍of Al-Qaeda and enemies of the ‍West. The‌ United States, Europe and ⁤Israel now speak of “rebels” and not of “Salafi-jihadists”, a‌ circumstance which clearly reveals that the powers do‌ not hide their sympathy for this latest rebellion.

The ‘neighbors’ in the Golan‍ war

Some readers may wonder why Israel would ​be interested in having a Salafist-jihadist association as a neighbor. Well, this⁤ group was​ already close to Israel during the civil war in the Golan Heights ⁤last decade, and the jihadists ⁣did not fire a single shot at israel. Leaked ⁤reports from United Nations Blue Helmets deployed in the Golan‌ record the existence ‍of regular contacts between Israel and jihadists across the border.⁣ There is also evidence that the jihadists used Israeli weapons, and‌ several Israeli hospitals even treated wounded⁢ jihadists before⁢ returning them ⁢to​ Syria.

It is indeed curious that the leader of the Greater ‌Syria Liberation ‍Organization, Abu​ Mohammad al-Jawlani, chose this war name established in⁤ the Golan (al-Jawlani),‍ in ⁣reference⁤ to‌ the⁢ territory occupied by Israel as 1967, but⁣ which has not‍ never attacked Israel, not even when his⁣ organization was on Israel’s ⁣side. It ⁢is therefore not surprising that Tel Aviv ⁤prefers jihadists.

Israel will​ emerge victorious on several fronts, ⁢especially because the Salafi-jihadists are sworn enemies of the Shiites‌ and Iran.‌ it does‌ not seem plausible ‌that ⁣such a government would allow ​Syria ‍to continue to serve‌ as a corridor for Iranian weapons ​traveling⁣ to Hezbollah’s⁤ Lebanon. Damascus ⁣will therefore cease to be part of ⁤the Iranian axis and Russian bases in Syria will have to close.

How is israel’s relationship with ​jihadist groups ​in Syria likely to evolve in the coming years?

Interview Between Time.news Editor and Middle East​ Expert on the Current Situation in ⁣Syria

Time.news Editor (TNE): Thank you for joining us today. Given the recent developments in​ the Middle East, notably in Syria, can‌ you give our readers a ⁤brief ⁢overview of the⁢ current situation?

Expert‍ (E): ‌Certainly! The conflict in Syria has reached‌ a critical juncture following Israel’s military successes against Sunni resistance in ⁣Gaza and shiite elements in Lebanon, Yemen, and Iran. Currently,the‍ focus is shifting‌ to syria,which remains an unstable territory largely controlled by the ​Alawite-led government in Damascus. This ⁣regime’s⁤ authority‍ is waning, especially ⁢as rebel forces push decisively⁣ toward the capital.

TNE: ⁢It‌ truly seems there’s been minimal resistance from the Syrian army during this rebel‌ offensive. What ‌does this indicate about the current state of ‌Assad’s regime?

E: The lack of resistance suggests that ⁣the Assad regime is enduring ⁢a ⁢prolonged and severe crisis. This situation coudl deteriorate rapidly unless immediate support is rendered ‌from Iran, Russia, and‌ Hezbollah.The Ba’athist⁢ ideology, which once held sway in the region, has eroded significantly since 2011,‌ and the current state of affairs appears to ‍threaten the regime’s control over⁢ Syria.

TNE: ​ You mentioned that entities previously labeled as “Salafi-jihadists” are now referred to ‌as rebels. What does this shift in terminology signal about ⁤the geopolitical landscape?

E: This rebranding​ is quite ‍telling.​ It highlights a pragmatic approach taken ⁣by the West, with the united‌ states, Europe, and Israel recognizing these groups more favorably now that they⁤ align against common foes, particularly Iran and‍ Shiite militias. It indicates a calculated shift‌ in alliances where former adversaries are seen as potential allies⁣ against Iran’s growing influence.

TNE: Israel’s⁣ apparent preference for these ‌jihadist groups raises eyebrows. Why would​ Israel​ favor⁢ a Salafist-jihadist ​element ‍as a neighbor?

E: it might ‌seem counterintuitive, but there’s historical context here. During the civil war in the Golan Heights, these ‍jihadist ‌groups did not engage Israel militarily, creating a de facto understanding. There have even⁢ been reports⁢ of‍ contacts between ​Israeli forces and these groups, along with⁤ documented instances of Israeli medical assistance to injured jihadists. In this light, Israel’s current strategy appears to revolve around maintaining a buffer against⁣ Iranian⁣ influence‍ while avoiding⁢ direct‍ conflict.

TNE: Considering the implications of these dynamics, ⁢how do you foresee‌ Israel’s ⁤and the West’s involvement affecting Syria’s future?

E: israel is highly likely to emerge from this conflict strengthened.The continuing threat posed by‍ Shiite forces and the Iranian ⁢axis will necessitate tighter control over the region. As Israel neutralizes direct threats,it becomes crucial for the Assad regime to sever ties with ⁣Iran,which is‍ pivotal ⁢for maintaining ⁢the balance of power. In the‍ longer term, the ​fate of Syria may hinge​ on whether it continues to be a conduit for Iranian arms to Hezbollah,⁣ as‍ Israel​ will not permit this corridor to thrive ​undeterred.

TNE: As a closing thought, ⁤what practical advice would ‌you give to our readers trying to make‌ sense of these complex geopolitical ⁣maneuvers?

E: ‌ I⁢ would encourage readers to​ stay ‌informed about the evolving⁣ situation in Syria and the ‍wider Middle East.‍ Understanding the historical context and the shifting alliances⁢ can provide clarity on current events.it’s also vital to recognize how local conflicts can have cascading effects on⁤ international relations, altering​ the balance of power globally. Engaging with ‌diverse​ news sources and expert analyses can‍ offer deeper insights into⁢ these intricate dynamics.

TNE: Thank you for your time and insights⁢ today. This discussion sheds‍ light ⁢on a very complex situation ⁢that continues​ to evolve.

E: ⁣My pleasure! Thank you ‌for ⁣the conversation.

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