{"id":38795,"date":"2025-07-12T20:10:09","date_gmt":"2025-07-12T20:10:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/963media.com\/en\/?p=38795"},"modified":"2025-07-30T06:57:04","modified_gmt":"2025-07-30T06:57:04","slug":"dr-salah-qairata-to-963-syrian-israeli-relations-poised-for-a-silent-normalization","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/963media.com\/en\/12\/07\/2025\/dr-salah-qairata-to-963-syrian-israeli-relations-poised-for-a-silent-normalization\/","title":{"rendered":"Dr. Salah Qairata to +963: Syrian\u2013Israeli Relations Poised for a \u201cSilent Normalization\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"

Since its formation a few months ago, Syria\u2019s new government under President Ahmad Al-Shara has been pursuing an intensive diplomatic push to reposition the country both regionally and internationally. Following the ousting of Bashar Al-Assad\u2019s regime in early December, the government has promoted what it calls a policy of balance; rebuilding ties based on mutual respect and shared interests while avoiding conflicts and wars that have deepened the region\u2019s crises. This comes amid Syria\u2019s complex realities after more than 14 years of conflict.<\/b><\/p>\n

The new Syrian authorities face the difficult task of reshaping foreign relations after years of devastating war, economic collapse, and the destruction of essential infrastructure; all under persistent security challenges and a lagging recovery process. Despite the lifting of sanctions by the United States, the EU, and other Western countries, reconstruction remains slow amid competing regional and global interests seeking influence in a country now redefining its statehood and alliances.<\/span><\/p>\n

In this exclusive conversation, Dr. Salah Qirata, Professor of Political Science and International Relations in Madrid, answers questions for <\/span>+963<\/b> about Syria\u2019s evolving foreign policy and its emerging relations with neighbors and the world.<\/span><\/p>\n

How do you view Syria\u2019s current foreign policy?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Since Ahmad Al-Shara assumed leadership following the major political shift that ended Bashar Al-Assad\u2019s rule, Syria\u2019s foreign policy has focused on repositioning itself both regionally and globally. Under the theme of \u201crestoring sovereignty and balanced openness,\u201d the new Damascus is quietly engaging through regional and international channels to define its future role;; including its complex relationship with Israel.<\/span><\/p>\n

Read also: UAE, Lebanon, and USA: A New Roadmap for Syria and Israel<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

With talk of possible normalization between Damascus and Tel Aviv, how might Syrian\u2013Israeli relations develop?<\/b><\/h2>\n

While normalization with Israel remains highly divisive within Syria, there are signs the new leadership is handling the issue with pragmatic realism rather than strict ideology. Diplomatic sources mention indirect contacts through Gulf and international mediators to de-escalate tensions in southern Syria and reaffirm commitments under the 1974 disengagement agreement. So far, however, there are no clear steps toward a full political normalization. Official Syrian statements maintain that any negotiations or normalization must be conditioned on Israel\u2019s withdrawal from the occupied Golan Heights, full respect for Syria\u2019s sovereignty, and an end to all air and military strikes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Given this equation, it\u2019s too early to predict a decisive turning point in Syrian\u2013Israeli ties, but it\u2019s clear that Syria\u2019s new approach views the file through the lens of regional security and domestic stability rather than old ideological alignments. This shift alone marks a notable political change that could shape a more pragmatic phase of Syrian foreign policy.<\/span><\/p>\n

In this light, the Syrian\u2013Israeli relationship could evolve into what some call \u201csilent normalization,\u201d starting with security coordination via mediators and potentially progressing toward a political track; if clear conditions safeguarding Syrian interests and public sentiment on the Arab\u2013Israeli conflict are met.<\/span><\/p>\n

Where does Syria stand with its neighbors, including Turkey, Iraq, and the Arab world in general?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Syria under President Ahmad Al-Shara is actively redefining its regional position after years of isolation and severed ties under Assad. Relations with neighboring countries are undergoing a clear shift, based on mutual sovereignty, shared interests, and conditional openness.<\/span><\/p>\n

With Turkey, there has been an unprecedented breakthrough: diplomatic relations officially resumed at the end of 2024, and high-level meetings between President Al-Shara and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo\u011fan have resulted in security and economic understandings. Turkey has expressed support for Syria\u2019s stability, and both sides agreed on a security roadmap to secure borders, combat terrorism, and curb the influence of extremist factions. In return, Damascus has called for a phased Turkish withdrawal from northern Syria within a framework that respects on-the-ground realities.<\/span><\/p>\n

Syria\u2019s ties with Iraq are also improving, especially in coordinating security along the eastern border and fighting remnants of ISIS. Damascus views Baghdad as a natural partner in reactivating transit routes and economic integration, with joint discussions underway to reopen border crossings and boost trade.<\/span><\/p>\n

At the Arab level, Syria has regained full membership in the Arab League and has taken part in official summits hosted by Gulf countries, especially Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The Gulf is clearly leaning toward supporting Syria\u2019s stability not just politically but also through initial investment plans in infrastructure and energy, particularly after the leadership change ended the previous era<\/span><\/p>\n

Read also: Britain\u2019s Return to Syria: What Role Can London Really Play?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Is the Syria\u2013Egypt\u2013Saudi Arabia triangle returning in a new form?<\/b><\/h2>\n

The revival of the Syria\u2013Egypt\u2013Saudi Arabia axis is more than just a political aspiration; it represents a strategic realignment in the Middle East after years of tension and division. Under Ahmad Al-Shara, Damascus is rebuilding ties with Cairo and Riyadh based on shared interests in counterterrorism, resisting foreign meddling, and promoting regional political and economic stability.<\/span><\/p>\n

Egypt, under President Sisi, sees Syria as an important partner for Arab national security and is keen to strengthen political and military coordination, viewing Syria as a vital link between the Gulf and the Mediterranean.<\/span><\/p>\n

Saudi Arabia, after reassessing its regional policies, has shown clear openness to the new Syria and taken practical steps to reopen diplomatic and trade channels, focusing on supporting reconstruction efforts and counterterrorism.<\/span><\/p>\n

If this triangle returns in an official, functional way, it will likely rely on:<\/span><\/p>\n