Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa failed to secure a decisive victory in the battle of Suwayda, thus emerging politically weakened. This setback has further eroded his domestic legitimacy, diminished his authority and negatively impacted his regional and international standing. Israel is exploiting the claim of protecting the Druze to demilitarize southern Syria and curb Turkiye’s influence in this region. Sharaa’s position vis-à-vis Israel has grown increasingly fragile following the Suwayda campaign – particularly at a sensitive juncture in Syrian-Israeli negotiations over a potential non-aggression agreement. Despite ongoing political and diplomatic efforts surrounding Suwayda, a final settlement remains elusive. The ceasefire is widely perceived by all parties as a temporary truce, vulnerable to collapse any moment. Meanwhile, Israel continues to send reinforcements to the Druze fighters, further complicating the situation. The conflict has deepened internal fractures within Syria’s social fabric and underscored the urgency for Sharaa to recalibrate transitional policies. This includes promoting greater participation of regions and minorities in governance and revisiting his negotiation approach with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
Emirates Policy Center | Conflict in Suwayda: The Need to Adjust the Transitional Track in Syria
