Diplomatic efforts underway to convince Syria to join the Abraham Accords | DW News

Key Concepts:

• Abraham Accords: US-brokered normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab states.
• Normalization: Establishing diplomatic and economic relations between countries that were previously hostile.
• Territorial Disputes: Disagreements over land ownership, specifically the Golan Heights between Israel and Syria.
• Interim Agreements/Arrangements: Temporary agreements to manage conflict and build trust before a comprehensive peace deal.
• Ad Hoc Coordination: Cooperation on specific issues as needed, without a formal long-term agreement.
• Syrian Transition: The period following the departure of Bashar al-Assad, involving political and economic changes.

Military Operations and Security Concerns

• Israel has conducted military operations in southern Syria, targeting what it claims are terrorist infrastructure and weapon storage sites linked to hostile activities near its border. The IDF released a video showing its forces on the ground.
• These operations occur against a backdrop of ongoing territorial disputes since 1967, making the situation different from the context of the Abraham Accords with the UAE and Bahrain, where there was no prior state of war.

Diplomatic Efforts and the Abraham Accords

• The US, under President Donald Trump, is actively trying to persuade Syria to join the Abraham Accords.
• Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharah has revealed that indirect talks are underway to halt Israeli attacks on Syrian territory.
• Israeli media reports that the two countries are coordinating on joint security issues and managing political questions.
• US Special Envoy Steve Witoff suggests that new countries, including some unexpected ones, may join the Abraham Accords soon.
• Al-Sharah reportedly expressed willingness to join the accords even before meeting Trump in May.

Syria's Stance on Iran and Israel

• The Syrian government did not object to Israel's use of Syrian airspace to thwart Iranian attacks, nor did it condemn the Israeli attack on Iran. However, it strongly condemned the Iranian attack on a US military base in Qatar.
• Nimrod Goran notes that Syria does not want Iran to have a strong presence in the region, indicating a convergence of interests with Israel on this issue.
• During the transition in Syria, Israel initially took a tough stance against Al-Sharah, but this changed after Trump's visit to the Gulf and favorable comments about Al-Sharah.

Challenges and Opportunities for Normalization

• An analyst points out that Syria's situation is unique due to occupied territories and security issues, making normalization more complex than with other Arab countries.
• Nimrod Goran emphasizes that Israel and Syria are still technically in a state of war, and there are territorial disputes to resolve.
• He suggests that interim agreements or arrangements are more realistic first steps than jumping directly to full normalization.
• Goran believes that a gradual approach, starting with ad hoc coordination and cooperation, is necessary to build a better relationship and eventually work towards a full-fledged peace treaty.

The Role of External Powers

• Nimrod Goran stresses the importance of external powers, including the US, European countries, and Saudi Arabia, in supporting the Syrian transition.
• This support comes with conditions, including a shift in Syria's approach towards Israel, moving away from seeing it as an enemy.
• Goran notes that while American influence is crucial, direct dialogue between Israel and Syria is key to resolving the issues at stake.

Notable Quotes:

• Steve Witoff: "The coming weeks could see important announcements regarding new countries in the region joining the Abraham Accords including some that few would have thought would join the agreement."
• Nimrod Goran: "There are opportunities for improved Israel Arab relations and I think Syria is definitely within this equation."
• Nimrod Goran: "Syria basically does not want Iran to have a strong presence in the region."

Technical Terms and Concepts:

• Abraham Accords: A series of normalization agreements between Israel and various Arab nations, brokered by the United States.
• IDF: Israel Defense Forces.
• Normalization: The process of establishing normal diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations between countries that were previously in a state of conflict or non-recognition.
• Territorial Disputes: Disagreements over the ownership or control of land, often leading to conflict.

Logical Connections:

The video connects the ongoing military operations in Syria with the potential for diplomatic progress through the Abraham Accords. It highlights the complexities of normalizing relations between Israel and Syria, given the history of conflict and territorial disputes. The video also explores the changing dynamics between Syria, Iran, and Israel, and the role of external powers in shaping Syria's future.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

The inclusion of Syria in the Abraham Accords faces significant hurdles due to ongoing conflicts, territorial disputes, and the complex relationship between Syria, Iran, and Israel. While there are signs of a potential shift in Syria's strategic orientation, a gradual approach involving interim agreements and direct dialogue is more realistic than a rapid move towards full normalization. The support and influence of external powers, particularly the US, will be crucial in shaping the outcome.