UAE’s Incitement Against Syrian Opposition Forces: Causes and Repercussions
Israeli media highlighted the UAE’s incitement against Syrian opposition forces by urging the United States to avoid collaborating with the factions that overthrew Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Damascus and are now establishing a new government in Syria. A detailed article published in *Maariv* by Israeli geopolitical expert Anat Hosberg Marom described Syria as a “goldmine” for the UAE, despite Assad leaving behind a devastated country.
The article discussed the UAE’s concerns over the dramatic collapse of Assad’s regime and the political and security chaos it caused. The UAE expressed worry about the rise of radical Islam in Syria, particularly with support from Turkey, and the impact of Syria’s fragmentation on the broader Middle East, especially in light of Iran’s weakening influence.
Marom’s analysis explained that non-Arab countries, including Israel, Iran, and Turkey, are now competing to shape Syria’s future, while the UAE, along with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan, is concerned about Turkey and Qatar’s support for groups linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, such as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.
The article also highlighted the UAE’s diplomatic involvement in Syria’s reintegration into the Arab League and its efforts to improve Syria’s international standing. The UAE has played a pivotal role in restoring Syria’s position in the Arab world, as well as supporting economic reconstruction.
The UAE’s strategy aims to limit Iranian influence in the region and strengthen relations with Russia, which helped prevent the collapse of Assad’s regime in 2015. The UAE is also focused on preventing deeper divisions within the Arab world, particularly amidst the growing geopolitical rivalry between the U.S. and China.
The article concluded by noting that while Assad’s regime has left Syria in ruins, this situation represents a major opportunity for the UAE. With the prospect of addressing the refugee crisis and investing in Syria’s infrastructure, estimated at $400 billion over the next decade, the UAE sees immense strategic and economic returns that will benefit both its economy and the broader Gulf region.
