America’s simultaneous game in Lebanon and Syria.
Following the recent visit of US envoy Tom Barak to Beirut and the arrogant tone he adopted towards Lebanese officials, it seems that Washington is rushing to disarm Hezbollah according to a very tight timetable and as if it is competing with Syria’s time; in the sense that the developments in Syria have caused changes in Lebanese public opinion about its weapons and performance, and the Lebanese are worried that they will suffer a similar fate to Syria after its disarmament.
Why have the developments in Syria worried the Lebanese?
According to Al-Mayadeen, the feeling of fear and anxiety among the Lebanese people for their future has increased since the events that took place on the Syrian coast and later in Sweida as a result of the terrorist and brutal crimes committed by elements affiliated with Abu Muhammad al-Julani, the head of the Syrian interim government, and then the intervention of the Zionist regime.
Meanwhile, a group of Lebanese who thought that disarming the resistance would give Lebanon some breathing space and that this weapon had lost its triple function against Israel, namely protection, deterrence, and liberation, are forced to reconsider their calculations after observing the developments in Syria.
The recent events in Syria have sounded an alarm among different segments of Lebanon, not only the Druze, but also Christians, Alawites, Shiites, and Sunnis, and for this reason, the extremist approach of those who opposed the resistance weapon has become more balanced.
Also, the entry of Arab tribes into the Sweida crisis in Syria showed that a new player is emerging that was previously underestimated, especially considering that the tribal and sectarian environment in Arab countries, and specifically Syria, has been the closest environment to extremism and, in most cases, a haven for extremists, because extremism in its broadest schools is closer to the Bedouins.
It is clear that Lebanon, due to historical, geographical, and demographic considerations, has always been the most fragile country in Syria’s neighborhood and has always been directly affected by the crises in this country. The main reason for this is the fragility of the Lebanese government structure and institutions, which do not have unity and a single national identity. Therefore, the Lebanese are not unfounded in their concerns and should change their priorities in the current situation.
America’s Double Game in Syria: From Claims for Prosperity to Chaos and Disintegration
At present, Washington is concerned with containing the situation in Sweida through resolution and appeasement in order to manage the crisis in a way that creates a balance between the conflicting interests of its allies in the region, especially in and around Syria. However, of course, the interests of the Zionist regime are always a priority for America, and this regime knows nothing but oppression and barbarity and will not be satisfied with anything less than the surrender of the other side. Accordingly, the United States faces a complex challenge in simultaneously keeping some of its Arab allies satisfied to gain privileges and exploit them and Israel.