Washington: Retired US diplomat James Jeffrey has expressed concerns over Israel's military actions in Syria, suggesting that the current policy might destabilize the region and undermine Syria's territorial integrity. In an exclusive interview with Anadolu, Jeffrey, who previously served as the US ambassador to Trkiye and special envoy for Syria, conveyed his doubts about Israel's objectives in Syria, especially given the longstanding opposition to Iranian presence in the region.
According to Anadolu Agency, Jeffrey highlighted the complexity of the situation, noting that Israel's intervention has led to significant military strikes against the Syrian government. This prompted US involvement, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio working to broker a ceasefire, temporarily calming the situation. Jeffrey questioned Israel's endgame in Syria and warned of the risks associated with a fragmented nation, which could lead to renewed civil conflict and further foreign intervention.
Jeffrey emphasized the critical nature of the issue for Israel, labeling Syria as the most significant strategic front in the Middle East. He expressed concerns over autonomous regions within Syria, such as the Druze south and Kurdish northeast, which could destabilize the country further if supported by outside powers. This fragmentation, he warned, could lead to the collapse of Syria, posing a challenge not only to regional stability but also to Israel's interests.
In his call for a unified international stance, Jeffrey urged Arab states, the European Union, the UN, NGOs, the US, Trkiye, and Israel to support Syria's central government. Recent events, such as clashes between Bedouin Arab tribes and Druze factions in Suwayda, followed by Israeli airstrikes on Syrian military positions, underscore the urgency of the situation. While Israel justified these actions as protection for Druze communities, many Druze leaders within Syria have opposed foreign intervention and remain committed to a unified Syrian state.
The developments in Syria have intensified since the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime, with a transitional administration now in place. Jeffrey also voiced concerns about the relations between Syria's central government and Kurdish groups, particularly the implications of an independent state in northeast Syria. Such a scenario, he warned, could threaten Trkiye's interests and reconciliation efforts with the PKK, which recently declared its dissolution following a call for peace by its leader.
The US, while supporting the SDF, has communicated its limits in maintaining the SDF as a separate entity. Efforts to mediate between Damascus and Kurdish groups continue, with US Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack engaging with both sides. Jeffrey suggested that the Kurdish side acknowledges the powerful Turkish military presence and the need for a peaceful resolution, especially given the PKK's military setbacks and progress in cultural integration within Trkiye.
As the situation evolves, Jeffrey's remarks highlight the complex interplay of regional and international dynamics in Syria, with significant implications for peace and stability in the Middle East.