Keystone-SDA
Lebanese prime Minister Najib mikati made a important visit to Damascus on Saturday, marking his first official trip since the rise of an Islamist-led coalition in Syria.
(Keystone-ATS) Invited by SyriaS new leader, Ahmad al-Chareh, Mikati’s visit is historic as it is indeed the first by a Lebanese head of government as the Syrian conflict began in 2011. This trip comes at a time when both nations are striving to mend their long-strained relations following the recent political shifts in Syria, notably after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime on December 8. The visit also reflects a changing dynamic after years of tension fueled by Hezbollah’s support for Assad during the Syrian civil war, which erupted in response to pro-democracy protests.
Q&A: Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati‘s Historic Visit to Syria
Editor: Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Fatima Jaber, a Middle East political analyst, to discuss Prime Minister najib Mikati’s recent visit to Damascus. Dr. jaber, this visit marks a historic moment, being the first official trip by a Lebanese head of government to Syria as the conflict began in 2011. What does this visit signify for Lebanon and Syria?
Dr. Jaber: Thank you for having me. This visit is quiet meaningful for multiple reasons. Firstly, it symbolizes an effort to mend the fractured relationship between Lebanon and Syria. The longstanding tensions, exacerbated by Hezbollah’s support for the Assad regime during the Syrian civil war, have created a complex dynamic. With the recent political shifts in Syria, especially after the fall of Bashar al-assad’s regime on December 8, this meeting is pivotal in highlighting new avenues for collaboration[[1]].
Editor: It’s intriguing to see the evolving political landscape. With the Islamist-led coalition now in power in Syria, how do you predict this will affect Lebanon’s internal politics?
Dr. Jaber: The rise of the Islamist-led coalition in Syria could result in a shift in how Lebanon navigates its political relationships. Internally, groups like Hezbollah are likely reevaluating their strategies, given the implications of this coalition on their influence in Lebanon. There’s a potential for new alliances or even greater fragmentation. the visit by Mikati may also reflect a broader strategy to engage with diverse factions within Syria, thus reducing Hezbollah’s monopolistic approach in Lebanese politics[[1]].
Editor: In terms of practical implications, what should the Lebanese government focus on to ensure stable relations with Syria moving forward?
Dr. Jaber: The lebanese government needs to prioritize dialogue and economic cooperation with Syria. This includes addressing border security, trade relations, and joint efforts to manage the flow of refugees – an ongoing challenge for both nations. They should capitalize on this visit to establish concrete agreements that reflect mutual interests,aiming for a balanced power dynamic that respects Lebanon’s sovereignty while fostering regional stability[[1]].
Editor: This is certainly a promising direction. As we look ahead, what are the broader geopolitical ramifications of this visit, particularly concerning other regional players?
Dr. Jaber: The broader geopolitical implications are substantial. Neighboring countries, especially those previously aligned with Assad, will be watching closely. Countries like turkey and Saudi Arabia may feel pressure to re-engage with Syria now that its leadership is shifting. Moreover, the U.S.and European nations will need to reassess their positions based on how Tehran responds to these developments in Syria and Lebanon. Mikati’s visit could very well reframe the way regional players interact, as alliances are likely to shift[[1]].
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Jaber. Your insights into this pivotal visit highlight the importance of diplomatic relations in a region frequently enough marked by conflict. We appreciate your expertise and look forward to observing how these developments unfold.