Syria after the Iraq war: between the neo-con offensive and internal reform

In: DOI-Focus, (März 2004) 14

Abstract

The US invasion of Iraq has heightened the threat to Syria from the US neo-cons who aim to deprive it of its remaining cards in its contest with Israel over the Golan Heights. The war on terrorism has put the spotlight on the safe haven given by Syria to militant Palestinians, its support for Hizbollah, and its non-conventional weapons capability, while Syria's stand against the invasion of Iraq enabled the neo-cons to paint Syria as a US foe. The US invasion of Iraq damaged important Syrian interests and would have been opposed by any Syrian leadership. Post-invasion US demands on Syria threatens its most vital interests, including its deterrent against Israel, its role in Lebanon, and its Arab nationalist legitimacy. Syria is trying to make the minimal concessions to the US needed to disarm the neo-cons without wholly surrendering to its demands. Damascus portrays itself indispensable to stability and a peace settlement in the region. External pressures on Syria have delayed rather than accelerated internal reform but Syria's impending accession to the Euro-Med partnership may unblock the process. (DOI/DÜI)