US ambassador: Syrian-Israeli conflict could soon end!

US ambassador: Syrian-Israeli conflict could soon end!

Madschdal Schams, Syrien - On May 29, 2025, Thomas Barrack, the US special representative for Syria, visited the Syrian capital Damascus and praised the interim government. Barrack said that the conflict between Israel and Syria was "solvable" and called for a dialogue to get a peaceful solution. He paid particular attention to the suggestion to start with a non -aggression pact and to discuss borders and area questions. This visit is part of the United States' efforts to redesign relationships with Syria under the new government. The American sanctions against Syria were recently lifted after almost 14 years of war, which the European Union followed shortly. These developments represent a significant change in the political dynamics of the region, reported Al Jazera’s Mahmoud Abdel Wahed.

The US government has also announced that Syria should no longer be seen as a state supporter of terrorism, which Barrack partially attributes to the end of the rule of Bashar al-Assad. However, he and other commentators emphasize that a six -month review period is required by the congress before this classification can be fully entered. This is intended to give the new Syrian government the chance without showing external interference or conditions that it is striving for a positive development. A remarkable step is the meeting of the Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani with western representatives that could boost the country's economy.

historical tensions and current conflicts

The conflict between Israel and Syria is very different. The relationships have been shaped by tensions since the 1967 Arabic-Israeli War and the subsequent occupation of the Golan heights. Israel has repeatedly undertaken military actions in Syria in recent years. In 2024, Israel blamed the Hisbollah for a rocket attack on the Golan heights, in which at least twelve people, including children and adolescents, were killed. The rocket stroke occurred on a soccer field in Madschdal Schams and led to injured and a massive use of rescue workers on site. The military expenses express the current tension in the region, reports Tagesschau.

The Golan heights are of strategic importance for Israel and has not recognized internationally since its annexation in 1981. While Israel claims control over the area, Syria demands the return to the 1967 line, which Israel wants to avoid. President Assad sees the return of the Golan as a central point for any peace negotiations. Since the Syrian President is in health, a power struggle for his successor has started. The facilitation of international pressure through a possible peace treaty could strengthen the position of his son Bashar, which is prepared as a successor.

The role of the population and the settlers

The inner dynamics in Israel are also complex. The slogan "The people are with the Golan" is circulating for the Golan to demonstrate broad support for the occupied area. Around 18,000 Jewish settlers live there, many of them are skeptical about the peace negotiations. Prime Minister Ehud Barak understands the fears of the settlers, but emphasizes that peace is always associated with compromises. The water rights in the region, in particular that of the Sees of Genezareth, are another central point of dispute in the negotiations. These topics reflect the national pride and the desire of the Syrians not only to regain their country, but also to lead a better life in peace and respect.

Al Jazera
Tagesschau
Deutschlandfunk