This article examines the historical rise and fall of Arab powers, focusing on Syria’s enduring conflicts with foreign entities, particularly Israel. Highlighting the need for unity among Arabs and a staunch resistance to foreign dominance, it illustrates the challenges faced and the importance of preserving national security and military strength to protect sovereignty and uphold the Palestinian cause.
The historical trajectory of Arab governance reveals a continual ebb and flow of power among states, with notable examples including the Umayyad dynasty, which established its capital in Damascus and extended its influence to Andalusia before succumbing to the Abbasid dynasty. The Abbasids similarly faltered, overshadowed by the Seljuks, until Saladin emerged and triumphed at the Battle of Hattin in 1187, successfully reclaiming Jerusalem from the Crusaders.
Currently, the plight of the occupied Gaza Strip, the West Bank, Lebanon, and Syria underscores a continuing struggle against foreign domination, epitomized by Israel’s occupation of Mount Hermon in defiance of international agreements. Such actions illustrate the relentless expansionist tendencies and interference by foreign powers intended to undermine Arab unity.
Syria remains steadfast, refusing to normalize relations with Israel in favor of upholding national dignity and the Palestinian cause. During a reflective meeting with the late President Hafez al-Assad, he expressed a profound understanding of the historical conflict, asserting, “The Arabs fought the Crusaders for more than 100 years until they expelled them from Jerusalem… the fate of Israel will be like the fate of the Crusades.”
Despite offers to relinquish the Golan Heights in return for recognition, which were categorically dismissed by al-Assad, Israel has undertaken numerous incursions into Syrian territory, aimed at crippling the Syrian military infrastructure that was originally established in 1946. The recent increases in airstrikes have devastated strategic military sites, demonstrating a calculated campaign against Syria’s sovereignty.
The undermining of the Syrian military system serves neither Syria nor the broader Arab interests; it has systematically paralyzed a crucial element of national strength. Such strategic losses must not be misconstrued as mere affairs of regime politics but seen as essential to the national heritage that Syrian citizens are entitled to preserve. Future governance must prioritize national security and the preservation of military power to counteract external threats.
A robust return of Syria on the Arab stage, acknowledging historical challenges, unity among Arabs, and an enlightened leadership is crucial to mitigating current tensions. Addressing sectarian conflicts and foreign involvement necessitates an Arab initiative geared towards a cohesive future.
Should the Syrian populace unify and guide their movements towards emancipation and sovereignty, they may transcend current challenges. Their rich history embodies resilience that can potentially lead to overcoming adversity in pursuit of a more stable and hopeful future.
The article delves into the deep-rooted historical conflicts in Arab lands, focusing on the evolution of power dynamics among various states and their socio-political impacts. It emphasizes the resilience of Syria against foreign powers and the necessity of national integrity in response to invasions. The discussion extends to current regional conflicts involving Israel and highlights the importance of a coherent Arab strategy for regional stability and unity.
In summary, the article underscores the necessity for unified Arab leadership and strategic acknowledgment of past conflicts to foster a secure and sovereign future for Syria and the broader Arab nations. By rejecting foreign intervention and emphasizing military strength as a pathway to stability, Syria can draw from its historical resilience to address contemporary challenges and aspirations of its citizens.
Original Source: countercurrents.org
