By Mariamme Latif Estafan* – Modern Diplomacy
The immediate entry of Israeli forces into Syria following their liberation from the Assad regime is unnecessary and counterproductive, exacerbating the country’s instability and undermining Syria’s path to sovereignty.
The recent news of Syria finally being freed from the long-standing civil war, conflict, and Assad regime has called for celebration and relief for several Syrians and Arabs across the world, hopeful to live to see their country freed from the shackles of Bashar Al-Assad. The people of Syria have endured endless and unimaginable suffering and hardships for decades, ranging from hunger, poverty, civil war, abuse, and the rise of terrorism. The prospect of peace and stability returning to the region and country strikes as a glimmer of hope amidst the long-standing darkness and violence plaguing the country. However, the glimmering and hopeful news did not last long. The Israeli forces have immediately begun moving into buffer areas of the country, looking for potential occupation as a means of “defense” as their security concerns and threats continue to rise. The immediate entry of Israeli forces into Syria following their liberation from the Assad regime is unnecessary and counterproductive, exacerbating the country’s instability and undermining Syria’s path to sovereignty. While Israel has aimed to justify their actions as measures against Iranian influence and Western influence, their intervention has disrupted the aspirations of Syrians seeking freedom, and peace, and prolonging the endless suffering and violence for Syrians. By engaging in Syria’s internal conflict, Israel risks further inflaming tensions with regional powers and undermining Syria’s sovereignty. Instead of supporting long-term solutions and peacebuilding efforts, Israeli military actions serve to perpetuate an additional cycle of violence, making it far more difficult for Syrians to pursue their path to freedom, reconstruction, stability, peace, and self-determination from foreign intervention and interference.
The Syrian refugee crisis has been one of the most devastating and catastrophic crises to hit the region, leaving millions of Syrians forced to flee their homes in search of stability, safety, and sanctions. The ongoing civil war in Syria has left millions of people displaced and vulnerable, leading to one of the largest refugee crises in modern history. The impact of the Assad regime and his leadership throughout the years have directly contributed to the chaos and violence that has forced millions of Syrians from their home and country to seek refugee and sanctions elsewhere. The Assad regime has been widely criticized for its brutal and violent tactics, and its clear violations of human rights and international law, specifically including the use of chemical warfare such as sarin gas against their citizens. The regime’s crackdown and strict surveillance of the opposition have further fueled and worsened the conflict, creating an environment where fear and insecurity across the country have become normalized. As a result of the normalized fear and insecurity, thousands of Syrians were forced to flee and seek safety in their neighboring countries, left wondering if they will ever return to their beloved homeland. However, as we reach the modern day, the fall and end of the Assad regime could have allowed for a significant impact to be made on the refugee crisis, potentially leading to a stable and peaceful country where the refugees could return. However, with the recent invasion of Israeli forces and military “occupying” areas of the country, peace and stability remain a question.
The presence of Israeli forces in Syria is a troubling development for several reasons. First and foremost, it threatens to destabilize an already volatile region further. The Middle East has long been a hotbed of conflict and tension, and the presence of Israeli forces in Syria could potentially escalate existing conflicts and ignite new ones. Additionally, the presence of foreign troops in Syria undermines the country’s sovereignty and independence, further complicating efforts to rebuild and restore peace in the region. The presence of Israeli forces in Syria has exacerbated the ongoing tensions in the region, leading to the fear and strain on relations with their neighboring countries. With the strain of relations and increase of tensions in the region, the fear of hostility and conflict in the region has become exacerbated, further endangering the fragile peace steps that have begun within Syria. Furthermore, the presence of Israeli forces has posed a concern regarding their intentions and motivations within the country. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated unequivocally that “the Golan will be part of the State of Israel for eternity”. This stance underscores Israel’s strategy: securing territorial gains while leveraging Syria’s instability to solidify its regional dominance. Israel’s occupation and military actions are likely to deepen internal divisions within Syria, pitting factions focused on nation-building against those prioritizing the liberation of occupied territories. This dynamic mirrors Lebanon’s prolonged struggles under Israeli occupation, where internal divisions hindered stability and governance. In prioritizing the response to the Israeli-occupied forces, the possibility of early defeat and chaos increased, diverting their critical resources from the main aspect of nation-building efforts and peace-building. Either way, Israel will benefit from the situation as a fragmented and weaker Syria is far less capable of posing a threat to their security and territorial ambitions.
Although the recent news regarding Syria’s freedom and the fall and end of the Assad regime, the presence of Israeli forces and their occupation of Golan have worsened the situation, prolonging the suffering and violence facing the Syrian people. The deployment of Israeli forces in Syria threatens to destabilize the region, exacerbate existing conflicts, and undermine efforts to achieve peace and stability. It is imperative that all parties involved in the conflict work together to find a peaceful and diplomatic solution to the crisis in Syria, and that the sovereignty and independence of the country be respected and upheld.
*Undergraduate Student at George Mason University, double majoring in government & international politics, as well as conflict resolution and analysis. Passionate about human rights, international law, and advocacy. Showcasing her passions through her work and commitment to foster change and improve overall society.