Qatar has urged IAEA oversight of Israel’s nuclear facilities amidst escalating violence in Syria. The interim government, led by Ahmed Al-Sharaa, faces significant security challenges, particularly in Alawite regions. Tensions are high due to Kurdish autonomy and the stance of the Druze minority, while Israel’s involvement raises concerns about regional stability.
In light of increasing violence and tensions across Syria, Qatar has called for the oversight of Israel’s nuclear facilities by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The Syrian transitional authorities, under interim President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, are grappling with maintaining security amidst the ethnic and religious diversity of the country. Heavy clashes have erupted on the Alawite-dominated coast, due to ongoing negotiations and tensions involving the Kurds and other factions.
Since December’s overthrow of Bashar Assad, the situation has escalated with over 500 fatalities reported, including many Alawite civilians. This region, historically affiliated with the Assad regime, is anxious about potential reprisals against the Alawite minority. According to Aron Lund from the Century International think tank, the new government lacks the means to engage effectively with the Alawites who feel alienated.
Interim President Sharaa’s administration has asserted its commitment to respect minority rights, but this message has not sufficiently reached the various ex-rebel factions that are now part of Syria’s military and police force. Central to the conflict is the semi-autonomous Kurdish administration in northern and northeastern Syria, which has retained its military forces, posing a challenge to Sharaa’s demands for disarmament and integration.
Meanwhile, negotiations between Kurdish groups and the government have stalled, alongside ongoing clashes involving pro-Turkey factions. The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) play a critical role in countering Daesh, and their continued presence in northeastern Syria complicates the political landscape. Political analyst Fabrice Balanche asserts that Kurdish forces seek to maintain their governance autonomy amidst rising discontent among the Arab population in those territories.
In southern Syria, the Druze minority, constituting three percent of the population, has largely remained neutral in the civil war but is now expressing willingness to join a national army. While Israel has signaled its interest in the region, warning against any harm to the Druze community, local leaders have reaffirmed their loyalty to a unified Syria. Expert Charles Lister noted that Israel’s intervention has inadvertently strengthened ties between the Druze and the Syrian government.
In summary, Syria faces multivalent challenges as the newly formed transitional government struggles to assert control and navigate relations among various ethnic and religious groups. With increasing violence, especially within the Alawite communities, and halted negotiations with Kurdish forces, the situation remains precarious. The desire of regional factions, particularly the Druze and Kurds, to maintain autonomy adds complexity to the government’s stability. Qatar’s call for IAEA oversight of Israel’s nuclear facilities signals rising geopolitical concerns in an increasingly volatile environment.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
