Syrian Government’s Inaction on Minority Rights Opens Door for Israel

The Syrian government’s failure to protect minority rights amid rising sectarian violence has led to Israeli intervention. Recent events show over 100 casualties among the Druze community as violence escalates. Analysts highlight Israel’s strategic positioning as a protector of minorities, exploiting the government’s weakness to reshape the region in its favor.

Recent events in Syria have highlighted significant failures by the government to protect minority rights which may create fresh opportunities for Israeli interference. Analysts suggest that Israel is positioning itself as a defender of the Druze community, amidst a surge of violence instigated by government-affiliated troops, resulting in over 100 casualties in Druze-majority areas. One observer remarked, “We saw clear sectarian chants… The government has not been trying to stop this harassment or attacks,” underscoring a critical lack of action from the regime.

The violence was reportedly sparked by a social media recording falsely depicting a Druze cleric as insulting the Prophet Mohammed. This claim was dismissed as a fabrication by both Syrian officials and Druze leaders who assert that such blasphemy is fundamentally against their beliefs. Still, chaos ensued as Islamist militants converged on areas like Jaramana and Suweida province, prompting Druze fighters to mobilize in defense of their communities.

In a notable uplift of tensions, Israel recently launched a series of airstrikes, notably near the presidential palace in Damascus, characterizing its actions as protective measures for the Druze. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, the aim was to thwart deployment of Syrian troops in southern areas near Damascus. Experts argue the timing of Israel’s intervention reflects strategic calculations, seeing a window of opportunity to reshape Syria’s political landscape as government authority diminishes amid ongoing sectarian violence.

Riad Kahwaji, head of the Institute for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis, noted, “Israel wants to see a weak central government or a Syria fragmented along sectarian lines,” indicating a potential Israeli interest in establishing a buffer zone controlled by the Druze. Such fragmentation, Kahwaji maintains, would enhance the legitimacy of Israel as a state amidst shifting regional dynamics, particularly with Turkish influences in the area.

Furthermore, Israel is eyeing full annexation of the Golan Heights, an area of both strategic and symbolic significance, with many suggesting that the current unrest could facilitate this ambition. Under international condemnation, Israel has already unilaterally claimed two-thirds of this territory since 1981. Kahwaji posits that Israel would seek to solidify its territorial claims further, leveraging the current chaos to its favor.

In response to these developments, Syrian authorities have condemned the Israeli actions as violations of international law while emphasizing the notion that they do not wish for conflict. However, they also accuse various factions, labeled as “outlaw groups,” of inciting the violence against the Druze community. Despite this, the government, grappling with internal discord post-Assad, has been unable to prevent these sectarian conflicts from escalating.

Mr. Daher, a Syrian analyst, criticizes the government’s hands-off approach, which has emboldened radical elements. His insight suggests that the government is shifting blame onto extremists while attempting to reassert control over areas outside its authority. He remarked, “The vast majority of Syrian Druze refuse Israeli instrumentalisation of sectarian issues,” highlighting the complications in community relations amidst external interference.

This tactic is echoed in other recent instances where government forces attacked civilians under the guise of combating insurgency. In light of these events, Mr. Daher expressed doubts about the government’s commitment to security, arguing that past violence has gone unpunished, thus raising questions of legitimacy.

Overall, the Syrian government’s inability to protect its minority populations has created a troubling opening for external actors, notably Israel, to assert themselves under the guise of safeguarding vulnerable communities. The events in Syria not only reflect ongoing internal struggles but also speak to evolving regional dynamics that could reshape the geopolitical landscape significantly.

The Syrian government’s failure to secure minority rights amid escalating sectarian violence presents a complex landscape, with Israel stepping in, claiming to protect the Druze community. As violence continues, Israel’s strategic maneuvers hint at a broader ambition to alter regional dynamics, potentially leading to a fragmented Syria that could benefit Israeli interests. Meanwhile, the Syrian regime’s inability to address security concerns only exacerbates the situation, leaving minorities increasingly vulnerable and inviting external involvement.

Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com