Assad’s Ouster Opens Path for Normal Relations Between Lebanon and Syria
The ouster of Syrian President Bashar Assad creates a pivotal moment for Lebanon, allowing for potentially normalized relations between the two countries. Lebanese citizens, relieved by Assad’s fall, see an opportunity to reclaim their sovereignty and rebuild institutions after decades of Syrian dominance. Analysts assert that the decline of Syrian influence, coupled with ongoing regional shifts, could lead to a redefinition of Lebanon’s geopolitical landscape.
The recent deposing of Syrian President Bashar Assad marks a significant turning point in regional geopolitics, particularly for Lebanon. Analysts suggest that with Iran’s long-standing influence in the region now diminished, there exists a unique opportunity for both Lebanon and the emerging new Syria to establish normalized relations. The sentiment is palpable among the Lebanese populace, many of whom experienced significant hardships due to Syria’s prolonged military and political grip over Lebanon, which lasted nearly three decades. Under a guise of intervention, Syrian forces entrenched themselves in Lebanon under the pretense of stabilizing the country during its civil war, yet their presence evolved into a form of dominance.
Syria’s involvement in Lebanon dates back to 1976 when its military entered as part of an Arab Deterrent Force to mitigate civil unrest. Although the civil war concluded in 1990 with the Taef Accord, which ostensibly limited Syria’s role to a supportive one, Damascus effectively maintained a position of power over Lebanon’s political and military structures for many years. The assassination of Rafik Hariri in 2005 served as a catalyst for growing anti-Syrian sentiment, leading to popular protests and Syria’s eventual withdrawal. With Assad’s fall, Lebanon looks toward re-establishing its sovereignty and governance free from outside influence, particularly from Iran and Hezbollah, who played pivotal roles in Syria’s past fortune within Lebanon.
The shift in power dynamics following Assad’s ouster indicates a possible restoration of sovereignty for Lebanon alongside transformations within Syria itself. While uncertainties abound regarding Syria’s future and its capacity to unify various factions, it is clear that the fall of Assad not only dismantles Iranian influence but also revitalizes hopes for Lebanese independence. As Hezbollah’s power wanes and regional relationships realign, the path toward normalcy for Lebanon could finally become tangible for its citizens.
Original Source: www.upi.com
