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A strategic turning point in American politics
The Middle East is experiencing significant development with the repositioning of the United States, which seeks to redefine its role in a region marked by persistent tensions. This shift is particularly visible in Syria, where Washington appears to be embarking on a stabilization strategy after years of reduced involvement. The recent visit of American officials to Damascus marks a diplomatic turning point, provoking diverse reactions from regional and international actors.
This approach comes against a backdrop where the United States aims to limit the influence of its strategic adversaries, notably Iran and Russia, while strengthening its partnerships with allies such as Israel and the Gulf States.
An unprecedented rapprochement with Damascus
For the first time in more than a decade, U.S. officials met with Syrian officials in Damascus. This commitment, although discreet, reflects a desire to fill the void left by the gradual withdrawal of Russian forces due to their involvement in the war in Ukraine.
Washington seems to want to explore solutions to stabilize the region after the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime. According to reports, the discussions focused on the reconstruction of Syria, the return of refugees and the fight against jihadist groups that are still active. However, this rapprochement is viewed with skepticism by regional actors, notably Israel, which fears that concessions will be made to hostile groups operating under the guise of moderation.
A response to Iranian activism
One of the main goals of this repositioning is to counter Iran's growing influence in Syria and the rest of the Middle East. Tehran has strengthened its military presence in Syria, using this territory as a strategic base to support Hezbollah in Lebanon and directly threaten Israel.
The United States seeks to limit this Iranian influence by supporting local forces opposed to Iran and by strengthening its cooperation with Israel. Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State, recently said: “Our actions in Syria are aimed at ensuring that this country does not become a stronghold for Iranian-backed groups. »(Hadderekh, 22 December 2024).
Reactions from Israel and regional allies
Israel, the United States' main ally in the region, welcomes this strategic repositioning with caution. While the American desire to counter Iran is welcomed, some Israeli officials express concerns about the rehabilitation of certain Syrian rebel groups, which could represent a threat to long-term security.
At the same time, countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates see this movement as an opportunity to contain Iranian ambitions, but remain wary of American intentions regarding reconstruction in Syria.
A more targeted military approach
Militarily, the United States has adopted a more targeted strategy, favoring airstrikes and special missions against strategic targets. In Syria, this translates into actions targeting the infrastructure of groups linked to Iran, particularly in the regions of Deir ez-Zor and Aleppo. These operations, carried out in coordination with Israel, aim to limit the logistical and operational capabilities of these groups.
However, this limited approach raises questions about its long-term effectiveness, particularly against actors like Russia and Iran, which have considerable resources to maintain their influence in Syria.
International implications
American repositioning in Syria is also part of a broader context of rivalry with Russia and China. As Moscow temporarily reduces its military presence in Syria, Beijing is stepping up its economic investments in the region, seeking to strengthen relations with Damascus and other key players.
The United States must therefore juggle competing priorities: containing Chinese influence, responding to the challenges posed by Iran and maintaining its credibility with its regional allies. This complex dynamic reflects the evolution of a Middle East where traditional balances are increasingly called into question.
A repositioning under constraints
Despite its ambitions, the US strategy faces several challenges, including internal divisions within the United States and public fatigue with prolonged interventions in the Middle East. Additionally, the economic cost of this policy could limit Washington's ability to fully engage in the region.
For Israel and its neighbors, this repositioning offers both opportunities and risks. While it makes it possible to strengthen the fight against common threats, it also implies increased coordination to avoid strategic disagreements.
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