Syria is interested in Joining the Abraham Accords

The Middle East is witnessing a significant shift in diplomatic relations, particularly with Syria’s recent interest in joining the Abraham Accords, the historic agreements aimed at normalizing ties between Israel and several Arab nations. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has expressed his openness to pursuing peace with Israel under certain conditions, marking a potential turning point for a country long embroiled in conflict and isolation. This article explores the implications of Syria’s stance, the backdrop of the Abraham Accords, and the broader geopolitical consequences.

What Are the Abraham Accords?

The Abraham Accords, signed in 2020, were a groundbreaking series of agreements between Israel, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco. These agreements normalized diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations between Israel and these Arab nations, marking a significant shift in Middle East diplomacy. The Accords were widely seen as a historic achievement, as they broke with the long-standing Arab consensus of not recognizing Israel until a resolution to the Palestinian issue was reached.

The Accords, spearheaded by then-U.S. President Donald Trump, were hailed by many as a step toward stability and peace in the region, though they were met with criticism, particularly from Palestinians and other Arab nations who saw them as a betrayal of the Palestinian cause.

Syria’s Sudden Interest

Syria’s interest in joining the Abraham Accords comes at a time of significant political and military transition. The country has endured years of civil war, foreign intervention, and humanitarian crises, but President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s regime is attempting to steer Syria toward reconstruction and reintegration into the international community.

In a recent meeting with U.S. Representative Cory Mills, al-Sharaa reportedly expressed a willingness to normalize relations with Israel under the right conditions, including the potential lifting of sanctions and a commitment to regional stability. This marks a dramatic shift from Syria’s previous stance of vehement opposition to Israel’s existence, which has been a hallmark of Syrian foreign policy for decades.

The Geopolitical Context

This development is particularly striking given Syria’s historical position in the Arab-Israeli conflict. Under the leadership of former President Bashar al-Assad, Syria was one of the staunchest opponents of Israel, supporting Palestinian groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. However, with the rise of al-Sharaa and his focus on rebuilding Syria after years of war, the country’s foreign policy is evolving.

Implications for Palestinian Rights and Regional Stability

Syria’s move toward normalizing relations with Israel raises critical questions about the future of the Palestinian issue. For many, the Abraham Accords were seen as a betrayal of the Palestinian cause, with Arab nations prioritizing economic and strategic ties with Israel over solidarity with Palestinians. Syria’s potential entry into the Accords could further marginalize the Palestinian struggle for statehood, as Arab nations that once championed Palestinian rights now seem willing to make peace with Israel at the expense of the Palestinian cause.

The prospect of a Syria-Israel peace agreement also raises concerns about the broader stability of the Middle East. While peace with Israel may offer Syria economic benefits and political legitimacy, it could alienate Syria from its traditional allies, including Iran, and spark renewed tensions with groups that view Israel as an adversary. Furthermore, any peace agreement between Syria and Israel would likely have to address issues such as the Golan Heights, a region occupied by Israel since the 1967 Six-Day War and a central point of contention between the two countries.

The Role of Saudi Arabia and Other Arab Nations

Syria’s interest in joining the Abraham Accords comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is also considering normalizing relations with Israel. Saudi Arabia, a major player in the Arab world, has long maintained that any peace agreement with Israel must first address the Palestinian issue. However, recent developments, including the Abraham Accords and shifting geopolitical dynamics in the region, have led to increased speculation about Saudi Arabia’s potential involvement in the Accords.

For Syria, joining the Abraham Accords could be seen as an opportunity to re-enter the international fold and gain economic and diplomatic support from key regional players, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE. However, the move could also lead to tensions with other regional actors, particularly Iran, which has supported Syria’s regime during the civil war and has been a strong opponent of Israel.

The Future of Syria-Israel Relations

While the possibility of Syria joining the Abraham Accords remains uncertain, the very fact that the topic is being discussed marks a shift in regional dynamics. Syria’s willingness to engage in talks with Israel could pave the way for future negotiations, but significant hurdles remain. The normalization of relations would require addressing longstanding issues such as the status of the Golan Heights, the future of Palestinian refugees, and Syria’s role in regional security.

Syria’s potential rapprochement with Israel also reflects broader shifts in Middle Eastern geopolitics, where countries are increasingly prioritizing strategic and economic interests over ideological commitments. As more Arab nations move toward normalization with Israel, the landscape of Middle East diplomacy continues to evolve, raising questions about the future of the Palestinian cause and the broader prospects for peace in the region.

Syria’s apparent interest in joining the Abraham Accords marks a significant development in Middle Eastern diplomacy. While it is too early to predict the outcome, the potential normalization of relations between Syria and Israel would have profound implications for the region, particularly with regard to Palestinian rights and regional stability. As the Middle East continues to evolve, the role of the Abraham Accords will remain a critical factor in shaping the future of peace and diplomacy in the region.