King Abdullah Emphasizes Stability in Syria During Amman Meeting
Jordan’s King Abdullah advocates for Syria’s stability at a regional meeting. Political analyst Abdulrahman Al-Rashed discusses the Arab League’s Gaza plan, emphasizing its importance despite U.S. opposition. The situation remains complex with competing proposals and ongoing negotiations, highlighting the roles of Hamas, the Palestinian Authority, and regional powers like Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Optimism surrounds potential recovery in Lebanon and developments in Syria following recent elections and the perception of a new future.
At a regional meeting in Amman, Jordan, King Abdullah expressed support for the stability of Syria amidst ongoing political tensions in the region. This meeting comes in light of broader discussions within the Arab League, particularly regarding the future of Gaza following the conflict.
Abdulrahman Al-Rashed, a prominent Saudi political analyst, discussed the Arab League’s plan for postwar Gaza during his appearance on the program “Frankly Speaking.” He emphasized the significance of this plan, which aims to provide a structured approach to governance while contrasting it with proposals put forth by the U.S. and Israel.
The Arab League’s summit, held in response to controversial U.S. proposals, advocates for Gaza to be governed temporarily by a committee of experts, supported by international peacekeepers, rather than displacing its population. The reconstruction of Gaza is projected at a cost of $53 billion.
Al-Rashed presented three plans currently on the table: the Arab League’s plan, an Israeli occupation approach, and President Trump’s controversial vision for Gaza. He underscored the need for negotiation and warned against the potential for chaos if the less favorable plans were implemented.
He highlighted that the Arab League’s initiative is crucial for maintaining diplomatic engagement. Al-Rashed also expressed skepticism regarding the success of the Cairo summit in swaying U.S. policy, yet viewed the Arab League proposal as a vital negotiating tool.
Concerns persist regarding Hamas’s governance role in Gaza. Al-Rashed noted Hamas’s recent indication of willingness to cooperate with other Palestinian factions in deciding Gaza’s management. However, the organization has not committed to full disarmament, which continues to complicate matters.
Al-Rashed acknowledged the recent U.S. engagement with Hamas and criticized the group’s focus on public image over the humanitarian needs of Gaza’s population. He expressed concern that the situation could escalate if Hamas prioritizes its image rather than addressing the needs of Gazans.
There is hope for a resolution through the leverage that Egypt and Qatar possess over Hamas, with Al-Rashed indicating that if Hamas agrees to terms, it could lead to the release of remaining hostages and the establishment of peace in Gaza.
On the subject of Israel’s governance role, Al-Rashed urged recognition of the Palestinian Authority’s legitimacy as the rightful governing body, dismissing the notion that Hamas holds similar authority. He reiterated that practical and fair governance solutions are necessary for Gaza’s future survival.
Shifting focus to Lebanon, Al-Rashed expressed optimism following the election of Joseph Aoun as president and Nawaf Salam as prime minister, stating that the country shows signs of recovery from its financial crisis. However, he cautioned that Hezbollah remains a destabilizing force despite its weakening position.
Regarding Syria, Al-Rashed remarked on the positive sentiments surrounding the potential departure of Bashar Assad’s regime. He mentioned the support for the new transitional government and the prospect of Saudi Arabia playing a significant role in Syria’s development, dependent on sanctions being lifted.
Lastly, Al-Rashed praised Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 for driving comprehensive reforms and positioning Saudi Arabia as a regional leader. He highlighted the crown prince’s focus on economic advancement and societal welfare, emphasizing the necessity for a long-term vision for the region’s future.
In conclusion, King Abdullah’s backing for Syria’s stability highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region. With the Arab League’s initiative for Gaza contrasting sharply with contentious proposals from the U.S. and Israel, the necessity for pragmatic and diplomatic solutions remains imperative. As various actors, including Hamas, navigate this landscape, the influence of neighboring countries like Egypt and Saudi Arabia will critically shape the future of both Gaza and Lebanon. The ongoing developments in Syria further underscore the potential for a transformative regional landscape driven by new leadership and collaborative efforts for peace and reconstruction.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
