The Washington Institute on SDF Governance and U.S. Occupation in Syria: Repeating the Afghan Failure / Araqchi Nominated for Foreign Ministry: Resistance Diplomacy and Managing Hostility with the West

Albinaa’ Newspaper Headlines August 19, 2024

The political editor wrote

Hamas delivered its decisive statement regarding the American proposal for negotiations on a Gaza agreement, describing the proposal as a repetition of Benjamin Netanyahu’s demands, which undermine the possibility of reaching an agreement because they invalidate the core principles, whether in ending the war, achieving the full withdrawal of the occupation from the Gaza Strip, or addressing the details of prisoner exchanges. Thus, the manoeuvre by the Americans and Israelis to suggest that there was an opportunity that Hamas should not miss, and to push Arab mediators to pressure Hamas, failed. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister of the occupying entity, Benjamin Netanyahu, wished them success and encouraged their efforts. After this manoeuvre collapsed before the anticipated Cairo meeting, the Defense Minister of the occupying entity, Yoav Gallant, issued a warning about the dangers of the negotiations failing, placing the blame on Netanyahu’s demands for jeopardising the opportunity. Gallant stated that “Israel” is at a strategic crossroads, and if no agreement is reached, there is an increasing risk of military escalation. Gallant explained in a statement that the danger of military escalation could eventually lead to an unstoppable regional war, involving Hezbollah and Iran. Earlier, Israeli media reported that Gallant demanded that strategic issues be resolved in the expanded cabinet, as it holds the authority, rather than the smaller cabinet.

Amidst the current climate of confusion and division within the entity, a study published in the American magazine Foreign Affairs examines the future of “Israel” after the war. The study predicts what it terms the “unfolding of Israel [and] the dark future that awaits”it. It envisions a scenario where “Israel” could fracture into “a balkanized entity with the religious and nationalist right-wing elements building up their own de facto state, most likely in the settlements of the West Bank”.  Another scenario foresees “rebellion of religious extremists and ultranationalists that would divide Israel in a violent civil war between an armed religious right wing and the existing state apparatus”. The third scenario suggests that, “Short of civil war, this situation would still prove unstable, and the economy would collapse, leaving Israel a failed state”.

Meanwhile, the Washington Institute, which is closely connected to the U.S. administration and a supporter of the occupying entity, warned that the U.S. occupation in Syria is facing a scenario reminiscent of Afghanistan, where a failed administration could make withdrawal inevitable. The study examines recent clashes between Arab tribes and Kurdish SDF forces in northeastern Syria, suggesting that Iran’s efforts to escalate tensions in eastern Syria are intensifying alongside its push to expel U.S. forces. As Washington contemplates a potential future withdrawal, it must take proactive steps to prevent a scenario in which the so called ‘Syrian Democratic Forces’ face a collapse similar to that in Afghanistan, allowing pro-Assad and pro-Iranian forces to return triumphantly to the east. This includes sustaining diplomatic support for the mission against ISIS in Syria and providing military backing to the SDF to fend off attacks from areas controlled by Iran and Assad across the Euphrates.

In Tehran, Abbas Araqchi, Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator and nominee for Foreign Minister in President Masoud Pezeshkian’s government, addressed the Iranian Parliament. He emphasised his commitment to the Resistance Axis established by the martyred commander Qassem Soleimani, asserting that resistance diplomacy would be the cornerstone of the Foreign Ministry’s work. Araqchi outlined the core principles of Iran’s foreign policy, which include strengthening ties with Eastern nations, managing adversarial relations with the West, and enhancing connections with neighbouring countries. He also underscored that the guiding principles of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would remain the ultimate reference for foreign policy direction.