Panorama of the Week: SDF reshapes Syria’s political landscape amid regional rivalries

Arab newspapers published over the past week focused on developments in Syria following the announcement of the SDF’s integration into state institutions, escalating Israeli tensions in southern Syria, as well as the trajectory of the U.S.-Iranian confrontation, the Strait of Hormuz and its regional repercussions.

Al-Sharq Al-Awsat focused on the announcement of the SDF’s integration into state institutions, describing it as a “historic” shift that moves Syria’s Kurdish issue from military confrontation toward a political track and opens the door to a more comprehensive settlement. The newspaper stressed that the success of the integration process depends on the political and social environment surrounding it, warning that continued tensions between nationalist currents could obstruct the new phase.

Al-Araby Al-Jadeed linked the decision to regional and international developments, particularly the U.S. position, Turkish understandings and the dialogue between Ankara and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). It said Mazloum Abdi’s move “has affected, and will continue to affect, the reality of Syria’s Kurdish issue and its future.” The newspaper argued that the issue should be addressed within a national framework that guarantees legitimate national rights.

Israeli Escalation and the Contest for Influence

Israeli escalation in Syria emerged as a parallel focus, particularly amid continued military activity in the south and the resumption of security contacts between Damascus and Tel Aviv. Al-Akhbar reported a move toward “new security arrangements for southern Syria,” as Israel continues to establish new realities on the ground.

Al-Sharq Al-Awsat, meanwhile, argued that the SDF-Damascus agreement goes beyond the Kurdish issue because it weakens Israel’s hopes of exploiting divisions within Syria.

Al-Araby Al-Jadeed focused on the question of what Israel wants from a new Syria, noting that any potential Israeli withdrawal would likely be linked to security arrangements and guarantees preventing the deployment of forces that Tel Aviv considers hostile.

Renewed Confrontation Between Washington and Tehran

Al-Quds Al-Arabi examined relations between Washington and Tehran, describing a shift from “fragile settlement to zero tolerance,” pointing to declining prospects for an understanding and the return of political and military pressure.

Independent Arabia focused on Iran’s strategy of “attacking forward” and its use of regional and economic leverage to counter U.S. pressure.

Al-Araby Al-Jadeed also examined Iran’s relationship with the Houthis, highlighting its political, ideological and strategic roots, which broadens the confrontation from a bilateral Washington-Tehran conflict into a wider network of regional forces aligned with Iran.

Lebanon and the Regional Conflict’s Spillover

In Lebanon, Al-Modon linked Israeli policy toward southern Lebanon to domestic electoral calculations, questioning whether a change in Israel’s leadership would lead to a fundamental shift in its policy toward Lebanon.

The Strait of Hormuz also featured prominently in the week’s analyses, with a focus on the impact of the U.S.-Iranian confrontation on energy security and maritime navigation.

CNN Arabic argued that military and economic pressure is limiting Tehran’s influence over the strait, while Al-Nahar described Hormuz as a “flashpoint of confrontation” capable of reigniting the region.

Al Jazeera Net also linked the conflict to oil and maritime navigation, arguing that the targeting of Lark Island has taken the confrontation to a more dangerous geo-economic level.

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ANHA