Israeli Defense Minister, Lieberman, will travel to Moscow today to discuss w/ his counterpart Iranian presence in Syria. Intense diplomacy between Israel, Jordan, US, Russia, Assad & Iran these days.
The fate of Syrians decided by others, as usual.
The fate of Syrians decided by others, as usual.
According to the pan-Arab paper al-Sharq al-Awsat (rather reliable), the Assad regime is proposing to distance Iran-backed militias 25 KM from the Golan fence & grant limited local autonomy to local councils in the area bit.ly/2KZGAXU (Ar)
Israeli Channel 2: Israel will accept the return of Syrian regime forces to Quneitra & Draa. Russia will commit to preventing entry of Iranian-backed militias from the region. Russia will continue to not hinder Israeli attacks against Iran in Syria bit.ly/2Jg6fyA
Despite pro-regime media claiming Israel is setting up a "Safe Zone" inside Syria, it was clear to me Israel's support for rebels in southern Syria will end once Israel is able to secure a deal concerning Iranian presence (see last paragraph) bit.ly/2EuAwI7
Many Syrian rebels & activists in southern Syria are going to be shocked and devastated by what they perceive as Israeli betrayal. They were hoping for Israeli protection from the regime.
Perceptions toward Israel changed to such an extent in southern Syria that residents there honestly believed that Israel is better than Arab countries that have betrayed the opposition bit.ly/2Faj3QG (see my @jdforward piece)
When I would point out to residents of Quneitra & Daraa that Israel previously betrayed the Christian militia it supported in Lebanon & the Kurds in Iraq, some would insist that they're different because they're an ethnic majority & hence aligning w/ them makes sense.
Lavrov: Pullback of non-Syrian forces from border with Israel must be fast
tass.com/politics/10071…
tass.com/politics/10071…
