Al-Sharaa’s anticipated visit to Washington, Lebanon under international focus

Today's newspapers addressed the anticipated visit of Syrian interim Prime Minister Ahmad al-Sharaa to the United States and the political and security objectives surrounding it, in addition to Lebanese developments related to sovereignty issues and support for state institutions.

Al-Sharaa is invited to Washington… is Hezbollah the target?

The London-based newspaper Al-Arab highlighted the invitation received by Ahmad al-Sharaa to visit Washington in mid-June, noting that the visit—if it takes place—reflects a growing shift in Syrian-American relations after months of political rapprochement.

The newspaper linked the invitation to statements by US President Donald Trump, who hinted at the possibility of Syria playing a role in confronting Hezbollah in Lebanon, opening the door to speculation about Damascus being included in new regional security arrangements.

It indicated that the US administration views Syria as a potential partner in controlling the Lebanese–Syrian border and limiting Hezbollah’s logistical supply lines, as part of a policy aimed at increasing pressure on Iran and its allies without direct confrontation.

However, the newspaper noted that any direct Syrian involvement in confronting Hezbollah faces major political and security challenges, given the priorities of the new Syrian leadership, which focus on rebuilding the state and achieving internal stability, as well as the sensitivity of the Lebanese file and the complexity of the regional landscape.

“Two challenges face Lebanese sovereignty”

On the Lebanese front, Al-Sharq Al-Awsat addressed the issue of Lebanese sovereignty, arguing that Lebanon faces increasing challenges in its efforts to strengthen state authority and extend sovereignty over all its territory.

It pointed out that the pressures come from two main sides: Iran, which continues to maintain its role and influence in Lebanon through Hezbollah, and Israel, which continues its military operations and contributes to destabilizing Lebanon.

The newspaper argued that the most significant challenge remains internal, represented by the need to consolidate the concept of citizenship and national unity away from sectarian and identity-based divisions. It stressed that achieving true sovereignty requires a comprehensive national consensus that places the interests of the state above all other considerations.

Paris returns to the Lebanese state approach via the army and borders

Meanwhile, Al-Modon focused on French engagement with Lebanon in light of the visit of Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Youssef Raji to Paris, coinciding with renewed Saudi openness toward the Lebanese state, reflected in the decision to resume Lebanese exports.

The newspaper reported that France has reaffirmed its support for Lebanese institutions, particularly the army, expressing readiness to work toward convening an international conference to support the military institution when conditions allow. Paris also showed particular interest in the future of UNIFIL and potential security arrangements in southern Lebanon.

It added that the French position is based on two parallel tracks: rejecting any expansion or field changes imposed by Israel inside Lebanese territory, while simultaneously supporting Lebanese state efforts to monopolize arms under legitimate institutions and strengthen the army’s role in maintaining stability.

The newspaper also noted that the recent Saudi movement toward Lebanon may help create a more favorable political and financial environment for reactivating international initiatives supporting the Lebanese state and its institutions.

A-H 

ANHA