Assad &, Erdogan, and the Stalled Reconciliation

This excerpts from a discussion featuring writer and journalist Issam Khoury regarding the resumption of Syrian-Turkish relations through Iraqi mediation. He expressed concerns about Russian apprehensions regarding the Emirati-Iraqi-Turkish cooperation project. Khoury also highlighted the Democratic Party’s desire to stabilize conflicts ahead of the American elections and how this may impact the Turkish-Syrian reconciliation. Additionally, he addressed the influence of the Alawite National Council on President Assad’s decisions regarding reconciliation with the government of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Recruiting or training Syrians?

On June 8, 2024, Russian forces held joint military exercises with the Syrian army at the Tartus port, showcasing advanced air defense systems in a simulated attack. While these exercises appeared routine, they carried deeper implications, including the recruitment and training of Syrians to support Russia’s military endeavors, particularly in Ukraine. Division 25, known for its allegiance to Russia, played a pivotal role, highlighting Moscow’s strategic use of Syrian human resources amidst the ongoing geopolitical tensions. The exercise also served as a signal to international observers of Russia’s readiness to defend its interests in Syria.

Gulf Cooperation Council & Syrian regime

The interview with the researcher and journalist Issam Khoury on Today’s Channel highlighted the recommendations of the Gulf Cooperation Council regarding the Syrian regime’s need to adhere to Arab recommendations, particularly concerning the refugee and kidnapping files. Khoury explained that these recommendations were in response to a tweet by the Iranian Revolution’s guide, which criticized the lack of commitment by Western and Arab countries to the promises made to Assad, emphasizing the Syrian regime’s alignment with the resistance axis. The discussion also expanded to address Iranian dominance over Syrian state institutions, the potential impact of activities in southern Lebanon on Syria, and their ramifications.

Syrian People’s Council: Between Change and Noise

Dive into the upcoming elections for the Syrian People’s Council, scheduled for July 15, 2024. This video provides an in-depth analysis of the sectarian distribution of parliamentary seats, the influence of the Syrian security apparatus, and the potential changes in the political landscape. Learn about the role of minority groups and the impact of the Syrian civil war on parliamentary representation.

The Embassy War or the Spy Nest War

The Iranian response to Zahedi’s killing was much greater than its response to the assassination of Qasem Soleimani, as explained by the writer Issam Khoury in an article that reveals how diplomacy can turn into a malicious espionage project in the Middle East.

Horizon of protests against al-Julani’s leadership

Understanding the killing of the terrorist “Abu Maria Al-Qahtani” requires a thorough examination of this article, which outlines forthcoming developments in the region controlled by Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham. The article is authored by Issam Khoury, Senior Advisor for the Levant at the Czech-Slovak Institute of Oriental Studies.

Likelihood of Ground Incursions

The article discusses rising tensions in the Middle East, particularly regarding potential Israeli ground operations against Hezbollah, the Syrian regime, and Iranian forces. It mentions recent events like Israel detonating a minefield, Hezbollah using drones, and Iraqi militias coordinating attacks with Hezbollah against Israel. The article also touches on possible U.S. support for Israel and its implications for regional stability, highlighting potential consequences for Syrian and Lebanese governance and Iranian influence. It suggests that an Israeli invasion of Syria could have significant regional ramifications, challenging Iran’s goals in the region.

The horizon of American strikes on Shiite militias

Researcher Issam Khoury outlines Iran’s historical involvement in regional conflicts and recent escalations, such as Hamas attacks on Israeli settlements. In response, the Biden administration conducted airstrikes targeting Iranian-affiliated groups, signaling a readiness to confront indirect Iranian influence.

The article suggests strategies for Washington, including expanding airstrikes on the Syrian-Iraqi border and supporting Arab groups to counter Iranian proxies. It references the “Parallel Zones Project” as a potential framework for restoring stability in the region.

Is Iranian Revenge Real or Just Noise?

The United States understood Iran’s message and prepared 1500 soldiers for training in Texas, in preparation for sending them to Iraq and Syria to enhance the American presence in a region filled with events and disturbances. On January 17, 2024, the Houthi group (SDGT) was included in the terrorism lists, after the US Treasury had removed this classification from them on February 12, 2021. This indicates that the Biden administration intersects with the new Republican hawks represented by figures like Joel D. Rayburn when it comes to US national security. Undoubtedly, this action will have an impact on many decisions of the White House and the Democratic Party administration before the start of the US elections in November 2024.