Panorama of Week: Damascus pushes toward escalation as prospects for ISIS resurgence grow

Arab newspapers published over the past week addressed the situation in Syria, the impact of developments on the activity of ISIS mercenaries, and efforts to build a moderate regional bloc.

The Interim Government Pushes Toward Escalation

Starting with Syrian affairs, the London-based newspaper Al-Arab criticized the provisions of the January 18 agreement, noting that “the deadline set by the interim government reveals that the proposed understanding is nothing more than a set of additional conditions aimed at pushing the Kurds to relinquish areas under their control.”

The paper argued that “this effectively means dismantling the Autonomous Administration and ending any aspiration for local self-rule.” It added that “the announcement of the agreement coincided with Damascus sending large military reinforcements to the outskirts of Hasakah,” indicating a government tendency toward escalating tensions and continuing attacks.

Expectations of an ISIS Resurgence

For its part, the Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar said that current field indicators warn of an extremely sensitive phase, amid the silence of the International Coalition and the United States regarding attacks carried out by factions of the interim government against the Syrian Democratic Forces.

The paper noted that the release of ISIS mercenaries from prisons that had been under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces in areas such as al-Shaddadi, along with the continued presence of ISIS families in camps—most notably al-Hol camp—poses a serious threat.

It argued that these developments open the door to reviving ISIS and a return of chaos to the Middle East, considering that “the U.S. abandonment of the Syrian Democratic Forces and support for Ahmad al-Sharaa’s authority creates a security vacuum likely to be exploited by ISIS.”

Building a Moderate Regional Bloc in the Eastern Mediterranean

Meanwhile, the Lebanese newspaper An-Nahar said that the Egyptian–Greek–Cypriot consultations reflect a growing tendency to build a moderate regional bloc in the Eastern Mediterranean, a region witnessing escalating crises and conflicts.

The paper pointed out that Cairo’s hosting of two rounds of consultations between the three countries comes within the context of strengthening the existing cooperation mechanism and affirming its role as a framework for political, economic, and security coordination. Analysts believe this partnership represents a model of cooperation based on international law and dialogue, in contrast to policies of imposing fait accompli seen in the region.

An-Nahar quoted Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs as describing the trilateral relationship as “constructive cooperation reflecting the depth of regional partnership and the shared desire to elevate the level of coordination.” The paper also noted that this bloc gains additional importance amid tensions related to energy files, maritime disputes, and the situations in Libya, Gaza, and the Red Sea.

It concluded that coordination between Cairo, Athens, and Nicosia enhances regional stability, supports energy and maritime security, and lays the groundwork for a moderate  (axis) capable of balancing the rapidly evolving geopolitical shifts in the Eastern Mediterranean.

ANHA