Syria conflict grows as Egypt and Jordan warn of regional instability
Egypt and Jordan, two peace partners of Israel, have condemned Israel's strikes on Syria. Israel intervened in Syria to prevent attacks on the Druze in Suwayda. However, this is now becoming a possible regional crisis. Egypt and Jordan are often critical of Israeli actions. Egypt is also concerned about Israeli policy in Gaza and whether this means that the tensions in Syria may be linked to wider regional tensions that could grow.
According to Syrian state media on Wednesday, 'Egypt condemned repeated Israeli attacks on Syrian and Lebanese territories, which constitute a blatant violation against the sovereignty of the two brotherly Arab countries and a breach of international law and relevant UN resolutions.'
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry put out a statement that slammed Israel's 'repeated' violations in Syria. Cairo believes this could increase tensions. Egypt also says this could lead to instability in Syria and Lebanon. This comes amid a 'critical situation in which intensive regional and international efforts are being made, with effective Egyptian participation, to de-escalate and support regional security and stability,' Syrian state media noted.
Meanwhile, in Amman, there was also condemnation.
'The Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates condemned the Israeli aggression on the Syrian Arab Republic as a blatant violation of international law and a dangerous escalation targeting Syria's stability, sovereignty, and security,' another report by Syrian state media noted.
Yesterday, Amman welcomed a ceasefire in Suwayda. However, the ceasefire collapsed. Jordan is worried that this could enflame its own border with Syria.
Jordanian News Agency Petra quoted the ministry's spokesperson, Ambassador Sufyan Al-Qudah, as 'emphasizing the need to stop these attacks immediately, and the need to respect Syria and its sovereignty,' Syria's SANA state media noted. Qudah noted that Jordan supports Syrian 'security, stability, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and citizens – stressing that Syria's security and stability are a pillar of regional stability.'
In both cases, two countries that have peace with Israel are alarmed by the Jewish state's actions, as well as by the crisis in Syria. Jordan has more to lose because it is a border state of Syria. Egypt's policy is likely to try to raise this issue with its Gulf partners, such as Saudi Arabia. It will also likely send messages to the US.
Meanwhile, the Syrian government said that 'after the ceasefire agreement with notables and dignitaries of Suwayda city came into effect, a number of outlaw groups have attacked once again the army and internal security forces there.'
The Media Department of the Syrian Defense Ministry added that 'Army forces continue responding to the fires, targeted at them, while adhering to the rules of engagement in order to protect residents, prevent harm, and ensure safe return of those who have left the city. The ministry also, through its media department, called on citizens in the city to stay home and report any individuals affiliated with outlaw groups.'
US envoy Tom Barrack says administration is navigating towards calm
US Special Envoy Tom Barrack said: 'We are actively involved with all constituencies in Syria to navigate toward calm and continued productive integration discussions. The recent skirmishes in Suwayda are worrisome on all sides, and we are attempting to come to a peaceful, inclusive outcome for Druze, Beduin tribes, the Syrian government, and Israeli forces.'
He added in a post on X that 'misdirection, confusion, and inefficient communication is [sic] the greatest challenge in assuring a peaceful and thoughtful integration of each party's interests. We are in direct, active, and productive discussions with all sides to navigate toward calm and integration.'
As the crisis grows regionally, it is likely that more countries will seek to become involved. Qatar and Turkey back the new Syrian government. They don't want to see it destabilized. In addition, countries as far away as China and Russia have interests in Syria. Iran may also seek to exploit the situation. When the Assad regime fell, the Iranian militias and IRGC members had to flee Syria to Iraq.
However, Iran has sought to operationalize cells near the Golan in recent months. The Islamic Republic may be exploiting the conflict in Suwayda to re-insert itself into Syria. It could do so via trade in the drug Captogon (fenethylline), or via the arms trade. It has many ways that it may seek to operate from Iraq, for instance.
In Iraq, the Iranian-backed militias have increasingly targeted the Kurdistan region and may also be threatening US forces at Al-Asad Airbase. This is a concern and could raise flags about what Iran is up to in Syria.
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