King Abdullah of Jordan emphasizes Syria’s stability at a regional meeting. The Arab League’s plan for Gaza seeks to manage reconstruction without population displacement, despite opposition from the US and Israel. Saudi analyst Al-Rashed highlights the complicated political landscape involving Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, pointing to the importance of negotiations and the transformative role of Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030.
In a significant regional meeting in Amman, King Abdullah of Jordan reaffirmed support for Syria’s stability. This comes against the backdrop of a broader discussion on the Arab League’s plan for postwar Gaza, which despite opposition from the US and Israel, remains crucial for negotiations, according to Saudi political analyst Abdulrahman Al-Rashed. The plan involves temporary governance by a committee of experts and the deployment of international peacekeepers, aiming to rebuild Gaza at a projected cost of $53 billion without displacing its population.
Al-Rashed highlighted the presence of three proposals regarding Gaza: the Arab League’s plan for restoration, Israel’s approach which he characterized as occupation, and President Trump’s controversial displacement plan. He emphasized the importance of having a viable plan to facilitate negotiations, stating, “I am not really sure if the Cairo summit has succeeded in convincing the White House, but at least we have a plan. This is the point here — to negotiate.”
Concerns linger regarding Hamas’s potential involvement in governing Gaza as it is labeled a terrorist group by many Western nations. However, Al-Rashed remarked on Hamas’s willingness to accept the Arab League’s plan, suggesting that they may relinquish control but have not yet committed to disarmament. The dynamics shifted with reports of US talks with Hamas over hostages, but Al-Rashed criticized Hamas for prioritizing its image over the welfare of the people in Gaza.
Regarding hostages, Al-Rashed noted, “I think we are right now on the edge of the second phase of the war,” indicating a potential escalation. Nonetheless, he expressed optimism about the role of Egypt and Qatar in leveraging pressure on Hamas to facilitate a resolution. A potential outcome could see the Palestinian Authority governing Gaza, as, in Al-Rashed’s view, it holds legitimate authority over the territory.
The political climate in Lebanon appears to be shifting positively with the election of former military chief Joseph Aoun as president. Al-Rashed remarked that although Hezbollah remains a concern especially after its conflict with Israel, Lebanon may be on the path to recovery, especially with improved Saudi-Lebanese relations.
Applied in Syria, Al-Rashed observed a transition towards a new government led by Ahmed Al-Sharaa post-Assad regime, which is seen favorably by many in the region including Saudi Arabia. He underscored the necessity for lifted sanctions to support Syria’s future development, stating, “Saudi can contribute a lot to the development of Syria, but we need first, of course, to see the sanctions lifted.”
Moreover, Al-Rashed praised the transformative efforts of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman under the Vision 2030 agenda, asserting that Saudi Arabia is not only developing internally but also influencing the Islamic world positively. He noted the shift in focus from political discourse to economic and citizen welfare as a pivotal change in the regional leadership dynamics.
In conclusion, the ongoing political landscape in the Middle East demonstrates significant transitions, particularly regarding Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. The Arab League’s plan, despite opposition, is pivotal in fostering dialogue. The evolving relationship dynamics among regional leaders, notably the influence of Saudi Arabia and the role of Hamas, indicate a shift towards potential stability and reform. Al-Rashed’s insights underscore that while challenges remain, opportunities for constructive engagement and peace continue to emerge.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
