Recently, two lawmakers reported that Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharah has joined the Abraham Accord, signaling a significant shift in Syria’s relations with Israel. During their meeting, he expressed a desire to normalize ties with Israel.
Al-Sharah apparently emphasized that he wants Israel to halt its airstrikes in Syria, ease sectarian tensions, and reach a new agreement regarding the Golan Heights. Corey Mills (R-Fla.) and Martin Stutzmann (R-Ind.) shared these developments with the Post.
“He mentioned that we need to not only recognize Israel but also aim to join the Abraham Accord, and it’s crucial we stop the bombings,” Mills recounted.
Last week, Trump stirred things up during his Middle Eastern visit, confidently stating that the “young and attractive” Al-Sharah would align with the Abraham Accord.
Before this public prediction, Al-Sharah had revealed his openness to the agreement during one-on-one discussions with both Mills and Stutzmann, marking the first time congressional representatives met with Syrian leadership since the abrupt fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime last December.
Stutzmann recounted that Al-Sharah had outlined two main points regarding the agreement. On his first point, he suggested plans for Israel to partition the country, though Stutzmann wasn’t sure about the validity of that claim. He remarked, “If true, it sounded like a dealbreaker.”
As for the second point, he indicated that negotiations surrounding the Golan Heights would be necessary.
Golan Heights – A Key Issue
It’s not clear whether Syria’s commitment to the Abraham Accord would hinge on reclaiming the Golan Heights. According to Stutzmann, Syrian leaders merely stated that an agreement was essential.
The Golan Heights, a rocky plateau in southwestern Syria, falls between Israel, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan. Israel gained control of this territory during the Six-Day War in 1967 and later annexed it in 1981.
During the Yom Kippur War in the 1970s, Syria attempted to regain this land. The Assad family came to power shortly before this conflict.
The Trump administration acknowledged Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights in 2019.
Historically, Syria has claimed it can’t reach a peace deal with Israel until it relinquishes the Golan Heights, a territory that Israel views as a crucial security buffer.
“I doubt the Syrian government will relinquish its claim on the Golan Heights,” a U.S. official remarked. “It’s a matter of national pride for all Syrians, not something President Al-Sharah would simply give away.”
Quataiba Idlbi, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, noted that having been a refugee under the Assad regime, Al-Sharah might consider “creative solutions” to address Israel’s security worries.
“Some mediators are suggesting long-term leases for Israel over the Golan Heights, providing a way to build trust,” he stated.
Idlbi expressed skepticism that Al-Sharah would tie a deal with Israel to changes in the Palestinian situation but affirmed that Syria has already reached out to Israel about combating terrorism.
“They’ve made it clear that there will be no military activity—be it Palestinian or otherwise—on Syrian soil,” he emphasized.
A Potential Breakthrough
Although numerous obstacles remain, Syria’s hypothetical participation in the Abraham Accord could represent a pivotal moment in regional foreign policy.
Mills remarked on the significance, noting that this could lead to greater stability in the area and reinforce Israel’s security.
Al-Sharah’s willingness to engage with Israel seems timed with his efforts to mend Syria’s strained relations with Western nations and Arab states.
“In my lifetime, Syria has been governed by the Assad family,” Stutzmann reflected. “Al-Sharah has already expelled Hezbollah from Lebanon and pressured Iranians out of Syria while engaging in discussions with Saudi Arabia and the UAE.”
If he can realize his vision for Syria, Al-Sharah could become a local hero.
Iran and Russia have long backed the Assad regime that Al-Sharah has opposed. Tehran’s influence extends even into Syria’s communication networks.
During discussions with Mills and Stutzmann, Al-Sharah allegedly indicated that he was offered military and business support from Russia, but he preferred to engage with Western nations first.
Concerns About Sanctions and Instability
Recently, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman facilitated the meeting between Al-Sharah and Trump, resulting in a 180-day sanctions exemption for Syria.
“Their economy is struggling,” Stutzmann noted. “It’s vital for Syrians to rebuild their country. I believe Al-Sharah will continue to lean towards the West rather than align with Russia and China.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned the Senate committee that Damascus might be on the verge of a new civil war, suggesting that Congress may need to intervene.
“Given the challenges they face, we assess that a full-scale civil war could happen sooner rather than later,” he added.
Historical Context and Skepticism
Considering past ties between Syrian terrorism and elections, Al-Sharah has his skeptics within U.S. foreign policy circles.
The director of National Intelligence, Tarshi Gabbad, criticized Al-Sharah, referencing Islamic extremism linked to his past.
“It’s crucial to consider individuals’ current actions rather than their history,” Idbi asserted.
Another concern among observers is Al-Sharah’s push for a five-year delay before elections. Stutzmann mentioned that Al-Sharah justified this based on the need to rebuild the government.
“He emphasized that they need time to establish a functional government capable of holding elections,” the lawmaker concluded.
The informal meetings were arranged by the American Alliance for Peace and Prosperity.
