The Shifting Sands of Syria: How Israel’s Intervention is Forging a New Alliance and Redrawing the Regional Map
The calculus of conflict in the Middle East is undergoing a rapid and unsettling transformation. While Western powers once pursued a policy of engagement with Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), led by Ahmed al-Jolani, hoping to leverage the group in a fragile political transition, recent events in Syria demonstrate a stark reality: some actors simply cannot be trusted. The brutal attacks on the Druze community in as-Suwaydāʾ, reminiscent of the horrors perpetrated by Hamas on October 7th, have exposed the enduring terrorist nature of Jolani’s regime and triggered a decisive response – not from the West, but from Israel. This intervention isn’t merely a humanitarian act; it’s a strategic realignment with potentially far-reaching consequences.
The Failure of Western Engagement with HTS
For years, the West attempted to cajole al-Jolani, a former ISIS commander, into a semblance of legitimacy. Former President Trump’s termination of Syria sanctions, seemingly influenced by regional players like Turkey and Qatar, signaled a willingness to overlook HTS’s violent past. This policy, however, proved disastrously naive. The recent massacre in as-Suwaydāʾ – the systematic targeting of civilians, including women and children – underscores the fundamental truth that terrorist groups, regardless of their tailored suits or diplomatic overtures, remain committed to violence and instability. The West’s attempt to “whitewash” HTS was a critical misstep, born of wishful thinking and a dangerous underestimation of the group’s ideology.
The Druze Under Siege: A Catalyst for Israeli Action
The plight of the Druze community in southern Syria has become a focal point of regional concern. As al-Jolani’s forces unleashed a wave of brutality upon as-Suwaydāʾ, the international community largely remained silent. This silence, however, was broken by Israel, which swiftly intervened to protect the Druze population. This intervention is not solely altruistic. Israel shares a deep and historic bond with its own Druze citizens, who serve with distinction in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and represent a vital component of Israeli society. This “covenant of blood,” as it’s often described, compels Israel to act when the Druze community faces existential threats. As one Syrian Druze individual poignantly stated, “We [the Druze] will give our souls for Israel; we swear by this.”
A New Strategic Alliance: Israel and the Syrian Druze
Israel’s response to the crisis in as-Suwaydāʾ is forging a new and potentially durable alliance with the Syrian Druze. The gratitude expressed by the Druze community, culminating in the raising of the Israeli flag in as-Suwaydāʾ, is a powerful symbol of this burgeoning partnership. This alliance offers Israel several strategic advantages. It establishes a buffer zone along its northern border, mitigating the risk of attacks from a volatile Syria. It also provides a potential intelligence network within Syria, offering valuable insights into the activities of Iran and Hamas. Col. (res.) Mofid Meri, a prominent Druze figure in Israel, highlights the key Israeli priorities: ensuring no security threat emanates from south of Damascus, preventing the establishment of Iranian or Hamas infrastructure, and maintaining control over the security landscape in Syria.
Beyond Immediate Security: Long-Term Implications
The situation in Syria is far from resolved, and the future of al-Jolani’s regime remains uncertain. However, several key trends are emerging. First, Israel is demonstrating a willingness to act decisively to protect its interests and its allies, even in the face of international criticism. Second, the Syrian Druze are increasingly viewing Israel as a protector and a source of support. Third, the West’s policy of engagement with HTS has proven to be a failure, highlighting the dangers of negotiating with terrorist organizations. This shift in dynamics could reshape the regional landscape, potentially leading to a more stable, albeit complex, security environment. The actions taken now will determine whether Syria descends further into chaos or begins a slow and arduous path towards recovery. The Council on Foreign Relations provides ongoing analysis of the Syrian conflict.
The Echoes of History and the Urgency of Action
The brutality witnessed in as-Suwaydāʾ carries chilling echoes of the Holocaust, with reports of al-Jolani’s forces humiliatingly shaving the mustaches of Druze men – a tactic employed by the Nazis against Jewish clerics. This historical parallel underscores the urgency of confronting extremism and protecting vulnerable communities. Israel’s intervention, while controversial, represents a moral imperative and a strategic necessity. The question now is whether the West will learn from its past mistakes and adopt a more realistic and assertive approach to the Syrian conflict.
What are your thoughts on the evolving role of Israel in the Syrian conflict, and the potential for a lasting alliance with the Syrian Druze? Share your perspective in the comments below!
