Sullivan: We Are Close to an Agreement on Gaza… and Committed to Kurdish Forces in Syria / al-Houthi: The New Middle East Project Is Rooted in Fragmentation With Sectarian and Ethnic Strife
The Occupation Violates the Agreement in Khiam After Its Withdrawal as the Army Deploys Under the Watch of International Sponsors
December 13, 2024
The political editor wrote
The region is witnessing an intense flurry of international and regional political activity, culminating tomorrow, Saturday, in an expanded consultative meeting in Amman. The meeting aims to explore ways to advance a credible, inclusive, and reliable political process in Syria, as described by UN Special Envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen. However, this diplomatic momentum is overshadowed by an unprecedented surge in American activity across the region.
U.S. Central Command Chief Michael Kurilla inspected the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), praising their cooperation in eastern Syria. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Ankara, Tel Aviv, and Amman, and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan traveled to Tel Aviv before heading to Cairo and Doha.
Against this backdrop, Israel has escalated its incursions in southern Syria, displacing local residents, while clashes continue between Turkey and Kurdish forces in northeastern Syria. U.S. support for the SDF remains unwavering, echoed in statements by both Kurilla and Blinken, despite the latter’s role in diplomatic discussions with Ankara over this contentious relationship.
Sullivan’s focus extends to finalising a potential agreement on Gaza, announcing significant progress while reiterating Washington’s commitment to the Kurdish forces. This stance defies Turkey’s long-standing goal of eradicating the SDF’s presence, particularly in light of Turkey’s pivotal role in shaping Syria’s evolving landscape. American statements effectively establish a red line for Turkey, signaling a predetermined ceiling for any political resolution in Syria. This includes a framework akin to Iraq’s federal model, granting Kurdish forces military autonomy and control over oil resources within their territories.
On the broader regional front, the leader of Ansarullah, Abdul Malik al-Houthi, condemned Israeli attacks on Syria in detail, affirming unwavering support for Syria regardless of its governing authority. Al-Houthi argued that the so-called “New Middle East” project seeks to fracture the region into warring sectarian and ethnic entities. He emphasised that steadfastness in supporting Palestine and the resistance remains the path of confrontation, asserting Yemen’s unwavering commitment to Gaza, regardless of the sacrifices required.
In Lebanon, no sooner had the occupation forces withdrawn from the town of Khiam, allowing the Lebanese Army to deploy in cooperation with UNIFIL, than Israel launched airstrikes, resulting in casualties. These attacks exposed the fragility of the ceasefire agreement, the occupation’s lack of seriousness in honoring its commitments, and its disregard for the guarantees provided by international sponsors, particularly the United States, France, and the United Nations.
Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati stated, “This blatant treachery violates all the assurances provided by the parties that brokered the ceasefire, namely the U.S. and France. They must take a clear stance and rein in Israeli aggression”. Mikati further called on the monitoring committee overseeing the ceasefire to address the violations decisively and ensure they are not repeated.
