The Arab League summit in Cairo established a unified stance on Gaza’s reconstruction and highlighted the new leadership of Syria and Lebanon. Syrian Interim President Ahmad Al Shara and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun attended to strengthen ties with Arab nations, reflecting a shift from Iranian alignment. The regional dynamics are evolving as both countries seek partnerships and stability while addressing key issues such as border security and mutual support against Israel.
The recent Arab League summit in Cairo concluded with a collective agreement on reconstructing Gaza, endorsing Egypt’s ambitious $53 billion plan while firmly opposing any proposals leading to Palestinian displacement. Regional leaders convened to counter US President Donald Trump’s previous suggestion to forcibly relocate Palestinians to facilitate the redevelopment of Gaza as a US-driven project.
The summit marked a significant moment with the participation of Syrian interim President Ahmad Al Shara and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, both of whom brought a fresh perspective that moves away from the pro-Iran policies of their predecessors. Their attendance emphasized a new direction in the region’s diplomatic landscape as both leaders aim to strengthen ties with Arab nations, starting with their inaugural visits to Saudi Arabia.
Syria’s return to the Arab League, following its suspension due to the violent crackdown on pro-democracy protests in 2011, illustrates a critical shift in regional dynamics. Now, under Mr. Al Shara’s transitional government, Syria is re-engaging with neighboring countries and participating in international dialogues after being isolated for years.
The geopolitical implications of Syria’s transition are vast. With Bashar Al Assad’s regime ousted, Iran’s influence in the Levant has been significantly diminished. The prior alignment of Syria with Iran, as a corridor for Hezbollah, was disrupted, weakening the latter’s capabilities and impacting Iran’s regional strategy.
Following Hezbollah’s diminished military power after a protracted conflict with Israel, Lebanon has also embraced leaders who seek to fortify relations with the United States and Arab partners while reducing Iranian constraints. Mr. Al Shara has initiated measures to control smuggling across the Syria-Lebanon border, affirming a non-interference stance towards Lebanon’s sovereignty.
The summit demonstrated the evolution of Arab relations, with experts noting that the changing geopolitical landscape necessitates Arab states to collaboratively enhance regional security and stability. Notably, Mr. Aoun and Mr. Al Shara engaged in discussions about border control to mitigate smuggling, highlighting the need for cooperation.
In his address, Mr. Aoun underscored Lebanon’s lessons from past conflicts, asserting the necessity for Arab unity in supporting Palestine. He emphasized the integral connection between the security of Arab nations and the plight of Palestinians, reinforcing that challenges faced by individual states cannot be ignored in the discourse about Palestine.
The heightened tensions in the region were exemplified by recent actions from Hezbollah in October 2023, supporting its Palestinian counterparts, which escalated into a series of confrontations with Israel. Despite the ongoing confrontations, Mr. Aoun reiterated Lebanon’s unyielding stance regarding territorial integrity and the liberation of its prisoners held by Israel.
Moreover, Mr. Al Shara called upon the international community to advocate for Israel’s withdrawal from southern Syria, reflecting a desire for diplomatic resolution rather than military confrontation, as his government focuses on fostering regional partnerships.
Experts suggest that the recent developments in both Syria and Lebanon present Arab leaders with unique opportunities to reshape their collective security strategies, emphasizing the urgency for Arab states to assume a more proactive role in regional affairs while diminishing reliance on external powers.
The Arab League summit in Cairo marks a significant turning point for both Syrian and Lebanese leadership, reflecting a shift away from past affiliations with Iran towards more cooperative relations with fellow Arab states. The summit’s resolution on Gaza reconstruction and the leaders’ mutual commitments to enhance border security signal a renewed focus on regional unity and stability. Furthermore, the diminishing influence of Iran in Syria and Lebanon presents a crucial opportunity for Arab nations to collectively address their security needs and foster diplomatic relations in the region.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
