Tag Archives: Iran

02Jul/25

Why al-Sharaa’s success in Syria is good for Israel and the US?

By Itai Melchior and Nir Boms/ Atlantic Council

Israel’s approach to Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime has become more assertive, driven by security fears that were intensified by the trauma of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks. For Jerusalem, the emergence of the interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s transitional government is a double-edged sword that could serve as an opportunity for strategic realignment, but also poses latent threats.

Although al-Sharaa’s rise has rightfully generated considerable concern given his jihadist background, the new Syrian government’s first six months has had notable positive developments. This includes the presentation of a pragmatic agenda that has emphasized power-sharing, minority rights, and economic development.

Further bolstering his international standing, al-Sharaa secured broad sanctions relief from the United States after a meeting with President Donald Trump in Saudi Arabia.

The US president’s recent executive order lifting Syria sanctions, signed on June 30, states that “the United States is committed to supporting a Syria that is stable, unified, and at peace with itself and its neighbors.” al-Sharaa also assuaged fears about potential nuclear activity after he offered full cooperation and access to the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency after a visit by the agency’s Director General Rafael Grossi in early June.

Although al-Sharaa has made several moves that should reassure Israeli decision makers: refraining from engaging with Hamas, expelling factions of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and Hamas, arresting two senior Palestinian Islamic Jihad figures, and trying to thwart smuggling operations between Iran and Hezbollah across Syria—they appear unconvinced.

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10May/25

Beyond the Brink: Israel’s Strategic Opportunity in Syria

What does Syria look like five months after the fall of Bashar al-Assad — both on the Syrian side and on the Israeli side of the border — and what are the risks and opportunities facing decision-makers in Jerusalem?



Nir Boms,
Carmit Valensi, Mzahem Alsaloum

On December 8, 2024, Syria experienced a historic turning point with the fall of Bashar al-Assad. This dramatic development has ushered in a new phase of uncertainty and transition, offering both risks and opportunities. While it is still too early to determine Syria’s long-term trajectory, the new leadership under President Ahmed al-Sharaa has made cautious moves to stabilize the country. However, Israel’s initial reaction—shaped by security anxieties and the trauma of the October 7 attack—has resulted in a militarized and unilateral approach that risks overlooking emerging diplomatic openings and reinforcing old patterns of confrontation. This article examines the unfolding dynamics in Syria, the risks of an overly reactive Israeli policy, and the strategic opportunities that could emerge if Israel shifts from a posture of fear to one of cautious engagement. A recalibrated approach might not only improve Israeli security but also reshape the broader regional landscape.

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22Jan/24

When it comes to Israel, the people of Iran go against their Ayatollahs

Israeli-Palestinian conflict serves as main instrument in the attempt to galvanize Iran as well as Muslims and others.

Published in the Jerusalem Post

For the past 44 years, the Islamic regime in Iran has tried to foment hatred towards Israel both at home and abroad, dedicating vast resources to its hateful anti-Israel campaign. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict serves as the main instrument in this attempt to galvanize both Iranians as well as Muslims, and others around the world.  While it’s clear that Iran is able to support a wide proxy network that actively participates in the war against Israel, it is less clear how successful it has been regionally, as well as globally, in advancing an anti-Israel agenda. 

One thing, however, is certain: domestically, Iran’s anti-Israel campaign has been a failure.  

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