Jordan’s media largely overlooked Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s recent visit to Amman, despite its significance. King Abdullah condemned Israeli air strikes and supported Syria’s territorial integrity and refugee return. Sharaa’s visit reflects a sensitive context regarding Israeli ambitions in southern Syria, raising questions about Jordan’s potential military role, diplomatic engagements, and its strategic interests in the region.
Recent media coverage in Jordan concerning Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s visit to Amman was limited, despite the visit’s significance. King Abdullah publicly condemned Israeli air strikes and voiced support for Syria’s territorial integrity while endorsing the voluntary return of Syrian refugees. However, Jordanian outlets largely overlooked crucial discussions regarding Israel’s extensive control in southern Syria and the complexities of military and political dynamics in the region.
Sharaa’s visit was likely influenced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statements regarding the restriction of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s (HTS) influence in southern Syria. Israeli officials have expressed intentions to secure the rights of Druze populations and Alawites, pointing towards a potentially precarious Israeli strategy concerning Syria’s future, which favors the fragmentation of the state along sectarian lines.
Upon the backdrop of shaping Syria’s trajectory, Sharaa’s visit coincided with key diplomatic dialogues between Jordanian and Turkish officials after the Assad regime’s decline. Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah had recently met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, likely discussing strategies for southern Syria, particularly focusing on the Druze community and the implications of Israeli actions in the area.
A pivotal consideration for Jordan is the extent of its willingness to engage actively in southern Syria at HTS’s request. This potential involvement could encompass stabilizing Daraa, influencing the Druze, or even deploying military forces along the Syria-Israel border to counteract Israel’s narrative of insecurity regarding HTS and other militant groups in the area.
Historically, Jordan has refrained from military or security commitments in Syria; however, the current context necessitates a reevaluation. A proactive role, if solicited by HTS, could protect Jordan’s strategic interests, uphold Syria’s territorial integrity, and facilitate the safe return of refugees while ensuring Israeli withdrawal from key resource areas such as the Yarmouk basin.
Jordan maintains favorable relations with various southern Syrian communities, particularly the Druze and Arab tribes, which could be instrumental in countering Israeli ambitions when coordinated with Damascus. While Jordan has traditionally been cautious about external military entanglements, any future involvement could gain legitimacy through agreements with Damascus and support from Turkey and other regional players.
Time is of the essence for Jordan. Should King Abdullah and Sharaa have neglected to discuss Jordan’s potential role in southern Syria, it is imperative to accelerate these conversations, possibly through indirect channels involving Turkey. This dialogue is critical to counteract the narrative propagated by the Israeli political right that aims to portray HTS as affiliated with terrorist organizations, threatening minority populations in Syria. A delayed response from Jordan could pose significant risks for both Syria and its own national security.
In conclusion, Jordan’s potential engagement in southern Syria emerges as a critical strategic consideration in light of recent developments. The complexities of Israeli expansionism necessitate a proactive response from Jordan to protect its national interests and assert regional stability. Strengthening ties with southern Syrian communities, coordinating with Damascus, and leveraging regional alliances may provide Jordan with the opportunity to counter Israeli narratives and contribute to a stable northern border.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
