Middle East STUNNER: Syria Eyes Abraham Accords

Tank model on a map of Syria

Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa shocks Middle East by offering to join Abraham Accords and normalize relations with Israel, but only if they cease bombing Syria and negotiate over the contested Golan Heights.

Key Takeaways

  • Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has expressed willingness to normalize relations with Israel through the Abraham Accords, contingent on Israel halting airstrikes on Syrian territory.
  • The contested Golan Heights, which Israel annexed in 1981 and President Trump recognized as Israeli territory in 2019, remains a major sticking point in potential negotiations.
  • President Trump has implemented a 180-day waiver on sanctions against Syria, signaling U.S. support for al-Sharaa’s transitional government.
  • Al-Sharaa is reportedly working to reduce Iranian and Hezbollah influence in Syria while building relationships with Western nations and Arab states.
  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned that collapse of Syria’s transitional government could trigger regional instability, highlighting the strategic importance of U.S. involvement.

Syria Signals Historic Shift Toward Israel

In a dramatic diplomatic development, Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has indicated openness to normalizing relations with Israel through the Abraham Accords. This unexpected overture was confirmed by U.S. Representatives Cory Mills and Martin Stutzman following their recent visit to Damascus. The Abraham Accords, a signature foreign policy achievement under President Trump’s administration, have already facilitated peace agreements between Israel and several Arab nations including the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan. Syria’s potential inclusion would represent a seismic shift in Middle Eastern geopolitics and another foreign policy victory for Trump.

“He said, ‘We’re open to not only recognizing Israel, but also to try and join the Abraham Accords, but they must stop bombing within our nation,'” said Cory Mills, U.S. Representative.

The Golan Heights Dilemma

The territorial dispute over the Golan Heights remains the most significant obstacle to any potential Syria-Israel peace agreement. Israel annexed the strategically valuable plateau in 1981 following its capture during the 1967 Six-Day War, a move that Syria has never accepted. President Trump formally recognized Israeli sovereignty over the territory in 2019, further complicating the diplomatic landscape. Al-Sharaa’s representatives have suggested that while Syria would not abandon its sovereignty claims, creative solutions might be possible, including a potential long-term lease arrangement that would acknowledge Syrian ownership while maintaining Israeli security interests.

“I don’t think the Syrian government would abandon the sovereignty over the Golan Heights,” said an incoming assistant minister for the Americas in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Syria.

Trump’s Strategic Regional Engagement

President Trump’s administration has taken decisive steps to support Syria’s new leadership, implementing a 180-day waiver on sanctions to help revitalize the country’s devastated economy. This move follows a high-profile meeting between Trump and al-Sharaa, reportedly arranged by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The diplomatic engagement reflects Trump’s commitment to reshaping Middle Eastern dynamics through direct negotiations rather than perpetual conflict. By providing economic relief to Syria, the administration aims to strengthen al-Sharaa’s position against Iranian influence and terrorist organizations, while creating conditions for potential peace with Israel.

Shifting Regional Alliances

Al-Sharaa’s diplomatic initiatives extend beyond Israel to encompass a broad realignment of Syria’s regional relationships. According to U.S. officials, he has actively worked to reduce Iranian influence and push Hezbollah forces out of Syria and Lebanon. Simultaneously, he has pursued improved relations with key Arab states including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. While Russia has reportedly made overtures to the Syrian leader, al-Sharaa has expressed a preference for Western engagement, presenting the U.S. with a strategic opportunity to diminish Russian and Iranian influence in the region.

Challenges and Skepticism

Despite the promising diplomatic signals, significant obstacles remain. Al-Sharaa’s reported past ties to Islamic extremism have raised concerns among U.S. foreign policy experts. Additionally, Syria’s plan to delay elections for five years while rebuilding government institutions has prompted questions about democratic accountability. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned that the collapse of Syria’s transitional government could trigger regional instability, possibly leading to civil war. These concerns underscore the delicate balance the Trump administration must maintain between supporting potential peace efforts and ensuring that Syria does not revert to being a haven for terrorism.

A Path Forward

The potential inclusion of Syria in the Abraham Accords represents a significant opportunity to reshape Middle Eastern politics and expand the Trump administration’s peace-building legacy. While formidable challenges remain, including resolving the Golan Heights dispute and overcoming decades of hostility, al-Sharaa’s openness to dialogue marks a promising shift. For Israeli citizens who have lived under the threat of Syrian hostility for generations, and for Syrians who have endured a devastating civil war, normalization could bring unprecedented security and economic benefits. President Trump’s active engagement suggests that America remains committed to facilitating peace where previous administrations saw only intractable conflict.

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