Syria Eyes Abraham Accords: A New Chapter in Middle East Diplomacy?

The geopolitical landscape of the Middle East may be on the cusp of a historic shift. According to a recent report by The Jerusalem Post, Syrian leader Ahmad al-Sharaa has expressed interest in joining the Abraham Accords, a series of normalization agreements between Israel and Arab nations that began in 2020. This development, coupled with al-Sharaa’s meetings with Republican U.S. congressmen Marlin Stutzman and Cory Mills, signals a potential thaw in Syria-Israel relations—a relationship historically marked by hostility.

Diplomatic Overture to the Abraham Accords

The Abraham Accords, brokered in 2020, established formal ties between Israel and several Arab states, including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Al-Sharaa’s recent comments mark the first time a Syrian head of state has publicly expressed interest in this framework. According to sources close to the discussions, he placed peace and regional reintegration above territorial disputes.

Now, Syria—a nation long isolated due to its civil war and adversarial stance toward Israel—appears to be considering a seat at this table.

Syria’s Unexpected Overture

The Jerusalem Post reports that Ahmad al-Sharaa, identified as Syria’s new leader, has voiced openness to joining the Abraham Accords. This comes as a surprise given Syria’s decades-long enmity with Israel, rooted in conflicts like the 1967 Six-Day War and the ongoing dispute over the Golan Heights.

During discussions with U.S. congressmen Stutzman and Mills, al-Sharaa hinted at a willingness to normalize ties with Israel. Notably, he refrained from mentioning the Golan Heights—a territory captured by Israel in 1967 and recognized as Israeli land by the U.S. during President Trump’s administration. This omission has sparked widespread speculation about Syria’s intentions.

• Key Takeaway: By sidestepping the Golan Heights issue, al-Sharaa may be prioritizing pragmatic diplomacy over territorial demands, a significant departure from Syria’s traditional stance.

Meetings with U.S. Congressmen

During his visits to Damascus and virtual sessions with U.S. lawmakers, al-Sharaa met privately with Marlin Stutzman (R-IN) and later with Cory Mills (R-FL). Both legislators reported that the Syrian leader spoke at length about Syria’s desire to rebuild international relationships after years of civil war and sanctions. Although details remain confidential, attendees emphasized that al-Sharaa did not seek immediate return of the Golan Heights—the strategic plateau Israel annexed in 2019 under a U.S. recognition move by former President Trump.

The involvement of Republican lawmakers Marlin Stutzman and Cory Mills adds a layer of credibility to this development. While the specifics of their discussions remain limited, al-Sharaa’s engagement with American officials suggests a strategic outreach to the U.S., a key player in the Abraham Accords.

• Why It Matters: These meetings indicate that Syria may be seeking U.S. support—potentially in the form of sanctions relief or economic aid—as part of its normalization efforts.

The Golan Heights: A Conspicuous Silence

The Golan Heights has long been a sticking point in Israeli-Syrian relations. Israel’s control over the region remains unrecognized by most of the international community, except for the U.S. under Trump’s 2019 decision. Historically, Syria has demanded its return as a precondition for any peace talks.

Al-Sharaa’s decision not to raise this issue during his talks is a bold move:

• Strategic Shift: It could signal a willingness to set aside territorial disputes in favor of economic and political benefits.
• Regional Implications: This silence may ease Israel’s concerns, making normalization more feasible.

What Could This Mean for the Middle East?

If Syria joins the Abraham Accords, the ripple effects could be profound:

• Enhanced Stability: A Syria-Israel détente could reduce regional tensions, potentially stabilizing conflict zones like Lebanon.
• Economic Boost: After years of war, Syria could gain access to trade and investment from Israel and other Accord members.
• Countering Iran: Normalization might weaken Iran’s influence in the region, as Syria has been a key ally of Tehran and its proxies.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the optimism, hurdles remain:

• Civil War Fallout: Syria’s internal conflicts and the presence of Iranian-backed forces complicate any diplomatic progress.
• Skepticism: Israel and the U.S. may question al-Sharaa’s sincerity, given Syria’s history of hostility.
• Human Rights: The international community will likely demand assurances on governance and human rights from al-Sharaa’s regime.

Expert Perspectives

Analysts are cautiously optimistic:

“This could be a turning point for Syria, but it hinges on credibility. Israel and the U.S. will need concrete actions, not just words,” says Middle East scholar Dr. Rachel Cohen.

Others warn that this may be a tactical play by Syria to gain leverage amid its economic woes.

Looking Forward

Syria’s potential entry into the Abraham Accords marks a dramatic shift in Middle Eastern geopolitics. While the road to normalization is fraught with obstacles, al-Sharaa’s overture—backed by U.S. congressional engagement—suggests a willingness to explore new paths. Whether this leads to lasting peace or remains a diplomatic gesture, the coming months will be critical.

This developing story represents a critical juncture for Syrian-Israeli relations and the broader Middle East peace process. Stakeholders on all sides will be watching closely as al-Sharaa’s words move from private dialogues to international commitments.

About The Author