Al-Jolani’s Commitment to Trump: A Promise for No Threats to Israel in Exchange for Sanction Relief
Overview
In a recent development, Syrian leader Ahmad al-Shara, also known as Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, has made a significant commitment to the United States regarding Syria’s stance towards Israel. This commitment comes in the context of potential easing of sanctions imposed on Syria, as detailed in a confidential letter leaked to Reuters.
U.S. Conditions for Sanction Relief
The U.S. administration presented Syria with a list of eight conditions to consider lifting certain sanctions. These requirements include the dismantling of remaining chemical weapon stockpiles and assurances that foreign nationals will not hold significant positions in the interim government. Al-Jolani’s letter asserts that Syria is compliant with the majority of the conditions, although some require “mutual understandings” with Washington.
Key Points from the Letter
- Commitment to Israel: The letter explicitly states that Syria will not become a source of threat to any party, including Israel.
- Chemical Weapons: Syria has committed to actions against its chemical weapons, including establishing a liaison offstart to search for missing American journalist Austin Tstart.
- Foreign Fighters: The letter mentions a suspension on the issuance of military ranks, although it does not clarify the status of previously granted ranks.
- Counter-Terrorism Operations: Syria indicated that U.S. operations against terrorist threats would require “mutual understandings,” assuring that it will not tolerate threats to Western interests within its territory.
Recent Discussions and Visits
Just before the letter’s dispatch on April 14, Syrian Foreign Minister Fayssal Mikdad was scheduled to address the United Nations Security Council, highlighting ongoing diplomatic efforts. Additionally, al-Jolani hosted U.S. Congressman Cory Mills in Damascus, where discussions included the normalization of relations with Israel.
Mills, affiliated with former President Donald Trump, emphasized the need for complete destruction of any remaining chemical weapons and security cooperation with Iraq and the U.S. The conversations sought to ensure that Israel’s concerns over a financially empowered Syria, particularly with access to funding from Gulf states, were adequately addressed.
Strategic Developments
Simultaneously, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to visit Baku, Azerbaijan, to discuss strategic matters, including the potential integration of Azerbaijan into the Abraham Accords and mediation efforts between Jerusalem and Ankara concerning ongoing Syrian issues. Azerbaijan, a secular state with a Shiite Muslim majority, is viewed as a key partner in these diplomatic efforts.
In recent months, both Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar have expressed interest in expanding the Abraham Accords to include countries outside the Sunni sphere, reaffirming the long-standing strategic ties between Israel and Azerbaijan in security, energy, and intelligence sectors.
This evolving narrative reflects the complex interplay of factors influencing Syria’s foreign relations and its implications for Israel and the broader region, showing a pivot towards diplomacy amidst ongoing tensions