US Reaffirms Backing for Syria’s Government Slams Israel’s Airstrikes

Post by : Priya

  Photo:AP

In a major diplomatic development, the United States has strongly reaffirmed its support for Syria’s central government while raising concerns about Israel’s continued military operations inside Syrian territory. The comments, made by the US special envoy for Syria during an official visit to Damascus, mark a notable shift in America’s approach to the long-standing Syrian conflict.

The envoy’s public remarks were clear and direct: Washington sees Syria’s government as a vital force for stability in the region and is calling for a halt to foreign military actions that risk worsening an already fragile situation. His speech not only highlighted growing support for Syria’s sovereignty but also directly criticized Israel’s recent airstrikes, suggesting they are doing more harm than good.

A Change in Tone from Washington

For over a decade, the United States has taken a cautious and often critical stance toward the Syrian government, especially during the height of the country’s civil war. Previous American policies included backing some armed opposition groups and calling for the removal of President Bashar al-Assad.

However, in recent years, especially as the war has calmed in some parts of the country and more regional players have restored ties with Damascus, the tone from Washington has gradually softened.

The envoy stated, “Syria’s government must be recognized as a legitimate authority. The country has endured too much. Peace and national recovery can only happen when Syria’s sovereignty is respected—by everyone.”

This message is being seen as a strong indication that the United States is moving toward a policy of engaging directly with the Syrian government rather than working around it.

Strong Words Against Israeli Airstrikes

What surprised many observers was the open criticism of Israel’s repeated air raids inside Syria. For years, Israel has carried out military strikes against what it claims are Iranian-backed militias, weapons convoys, or Hezbollah forces operating in Syria. Israeli officials argue these attacks are necessary to stop Iran from using Syria as a base to threaten Israeli security.

But these airstrikes often damage Syrian infrastructure, hit military targets linked to the government, and in some cases, have caused civilian casualties. Damascus frequently accuses Israel of violating international law.

The US envoy said, “While we respect Israel’s need for national security, these ongoing attacks risk further destabilizing Syria and the broader region. They increase tensions and can spark wider conflict.”

This rare rebuke of Israeli actions from a high-ranking American diplomat has raised eyebrows across the region and in Washington. It signals that the Biden administration may be rebalancing its relationships in the Middle East, giving more weight to long-term regional stability over short-term tactical interests.

Syria Welcomes the Statement

Syrian officials welcomed the envoy’s comments, saying they marked a “turning point” in American policy. The Foreign Ministry in Damascus issued a statement praising the US position as “a positive step toward correcting past mistakes” and called for “a new chapter of cooperation.”

State-run Syrian media quickly spread the news, calling it a diplomatic victory and showing footage of the envoy’s meetings with top government officials, including Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad.

Ordinary Syrians, meanwhile, expressed cautious optimism. After more than a decade of war, sanctions, and isolation, many hope that international recognition and support might finally lead to improvements in daily life.

Mixed Reactions from Israel

Unsurprisingly, Israel’s government was not pleased. A senior Israeli official responded sharply, saying, “We will continue to defend ourselves and take necessary actions to prevent Iran’s military build-up on our borders.”

Israel believes Iran is using Syria as a bridge to supply weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon. From Israel’s perspective, any softening of US policy toward Damascus or Iran could put Israeli security at risk.

Israel's supporters in the US Congress have also expressed concern about the envoy’s comments. Some lawmakers argue that Washington should stand firmly by its longtime ally and remain tough on the Assad regime and Iran alike.

What Does This Mean for US Strategy in the Region?

Analysts believe this new tone from the US is part of a broader effort to reduce American military engagement in the Middle East. With the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan behind them, US policymakers appear to be looking for ways to resolve regional conflicts through diplomacy rather than military force.

The Syria envoy’s remarks may also reflect a desire to adapt to new realities. President Assad has survived the civil war. More Arab nations—such as the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia—are now reopening diplomatic ties with Damascus. Even Syria’s readmission to the Arab League was recently approved.

As these regional developments unfold, the US may no longer see the benefit of isolating Syria. Instead, working with the current government could offer a more stable path forward.

The Humanitarian Crisis Continues

Despite the political shifts, Syria remains a country in deep crisis. The war has left over 300,000 people dead, displaced millions, and devastated cities, towns, and rural areas alike.

Basic needs—such as food, water, electricity, and healthcare—are still lacking in many parts of the country. Economic sanctions and a collapsing currency have made everyday life harder for ordinary Syrians. Many young people have fled the country in search of jobs and safety abroad.

The US envoy acknowledged this in his statement, calling for more humanitarian aid, economic rebuilding, and international cooperation.

“The Syrian people have suffered enough. We urge all countries to come together and support a peaceful, united, and stable Syria,” he said.