In August, Syria's political landscape saw significant changes, including the dissolution of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a coalition that had controlled parts of the country’s northeast. At the same time, the United States removed Syria from its list of states that support terrorism, a move that could signal a shift in diplomatic relations. Additionally, the U.S. reportedly intervened to prevent Israeli military actions that could have targeted American interests in the region. These developments have bolstered the position of Syria’s interim president, who is now seeking to address what Damascus calls its "last internal file"—the reintegration of Soueïda, a Druze-majority region in southern Syria, currently controlled by a separatist militia.
Damascus is aiming to bring Soueïda back under its control using a strategy similar to the one that led to the dissolution of the SDF. This approach combines military pressure with political incentives, targeting the National Guard of Hikmat Al-Hijri, a key spiritual leader among Syria’s Druze community. However, this group is less organized than the SDF, and its control over Soueïda is contested by rival factions. Hikmat Al-Hijri has proposed forming an "alliance of minorities" that would unite Kurds, Druze, and Alawites, potentially creating a new political bloc in the region.
Soueïda has become a growing hub for captagon trafficking, a synthetic drug commonly used in the Middle East. This illegal activity adds another layer of complexity to the region’s instability, as it could fuel further conflict or attract external interference. Meanwhile, the U.S. is reportedly trying to ease tensions between Israel and Turkey, two regional powers with overlapping interests in Syria. Washington’s efforts to manage these complex relationships may influence how Syria proceeds with its plans to reclaim control over Soueïda and stabilize its southern regions.
The situation in Syria remains fragile, with multiple actors pursuing their own interests. While Damascus seeks to consolidate its authority through military and political means, external powers like the U.S. and regional players like Turkey and Israel continue to shape the dynamics in the region. The outcome of Syria’s efforts to reintegrate Soueïda will likely depend on both internal cohesion and the broader geopolitical landscape.
Syria Seeks to Reintegrate Soueïda Amid Regional Dynamics
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