Syria-Hezbollah Talks Pragmatic, Not Friendly: Expert
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Professor Eyal Zisser assesses that any secret talks between the new Syrian government and Hezbollah are pragmatic, focused on ensuring quiet and preventing border incidents. Syria has denied these reports and arrested Hezbollah members, while Zisser points to deep sectarian and political divides. Demands would likely involve Syria seeking an end to Hezbollah's internal interference and Hezbollah seeking security assurances.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Professor Eyal Zisser believes any Syria-Hezbollah talks are pragmatic, not friendly.
- Syria has denied reports of secret talks with Hezbollah.
- Zisser cited sectarian divides and Syria's alignment against Iran as reasons for animosity.
- Syria likely wants Hezbollah to cease internal interference.
- Hezbollah likely seeks security assurances from Syria.
- Iran would likely be aware of and approve of such talks.
Professor Eyal Zisser, an expert on the Syrian and Lebanese arenas, believes that any potential talks between the new Syrian government and Hezbollah are purely pragmatic, aimed at achieving quiet rather than fostering friendship. Zisser noted that Syria has officially denied reports of these secret contacts, while simultaneously arresting Hezbollah operatives and accusing the organization of undermining the new regime.
Despite Hezbollah's past support for Bashar al-Assad against rebels, Zisser explained that deep animosity exists, fueled by sectarian divides and Syria's alignment with Gulf states against Iran and Hezbollah. He stated that if discussions are occurring, they are intended to prevent border escalations and ensure stability, not to build a new alliance.
According to Zisser, Syria's demands would likely include Hezbollah ceasing internal interference, halting recruitment and weapons smuggling through Syria, and respecting the Syrian-Lebanese border. Hezbollah's primary concern would be securing its rear, ensuring Syria does not invade Lebanon or confront the organization.
Zisser also suggested that Iran would be aware of and likely approve of any such pragmatic talks, as Iran itself is seeking dialogue with the Syrian regime, which has thus far resisted such overtures.
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