HTS Assures Non-Interference by Syria in Lebanese Affairs
Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has assured Druze leaders that Syria will refrain from negatively interfering in Lebanon. HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa emphasized respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty. This assurance comes in light of HTS’s recent political developments and signals a possible shift in the historically entwined relations between Syria and Lebanon, especially amid continuing regional struggles.
Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has assured that Syria will not interfere negatively in Lebanon’s internal matters during discussions with Druze leaders. HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, emphasized Syria’s commitment to respecting Lebanon’s sovereignty and security while maintaining a neutral approach towards various factions within Lebanon. His statement comes in the wake of HTS’s recent elevation in authority following the removal of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The historical complexity of Syria-Lebanon relations, stemming from decades of military occupation and recent civil unrest, further complicates the context in which these assurances were made.
Lebanon has been impacted significantly by the Syrian civil conflict, with a substantial influx of Syrian refugees since 2011. Notably, Walid Jumblatt, a leading Druze figure, made a pioneering diplomatic visit to forge relations with Syria’s new leadership, marking a significant shift in Lebanese political engagement. The Druze community in Syria, faced with persecution from various factions, underscores the fragility of the regional situation.
As HTS attempts to reestablish relations with its neighbors, its past actions, specifically a notorious sectarian attack in which it targeted Druze individuals, cast a long shadow on its credibility.
Such developments signal an emerging, albeit cautious, willingness to redefine the dynamics between Syria and Lebanon amidst a backdrop of ongoing regional upheaval and historical grievances.
The relationship between Syria and Lebanon has been marked by extensive entanglement over the decades, characterized by Syria’s military occupation of Lebanon from 1976 until 2005. More recently, the Syrian civil war, which began in 2011, has forced hundreds of thousands of Syrians into Lebanon, exacerbating the region’s volatility. Amidst this backdrop, HTS emerged as a significant force in the Syrian conflict, having previously operated under the al-Qaeda umbrella, and is now seeking to normalize interactions with Lebanon. The Druze community, particularly its leaders like Walid and Taymour Jumblatt, play a crucial role in the nuanced dynamics between the two nations, given their historical ties and recent experiences of persecution in Syria.
In summary, HTS’s declaration of non-interference in Lebanese affairs marks a strategic shift towards establishing peaceful relations with its neighbors post-civil war. The significance of Walid Jumblatt’s engagement with Syria’s new leadership highlights a potential thawing of relations, although historical tensions and past actions remain hurdles to genuine reconciliation. The future of Lebanon-Syria relations will largely depend on adherence to these assurances by HTS and the broader geopolitical context.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
