The article explores the historical context of Arab states, particularly the Umayyad and Abbasid empires, and draws connections to contemporary issues facing Syria and the Arab region. It underscores Israel’s ongoing military activities and the need for unity among Arabs to confront current challenges. The author emphasizes the importance of maintaining national identity and the strategic role of the Syrian army in defending sovereignty against external threats.
Throughout history, the Arab world has experienced the rise and fall of numerous states, with the Umayyad dynasty being prominent, particularly with its capital in Damascus, and its expansion into Andalusia. However, it ultimately succumbed to the Abbasids, who failed to heed the lessons of their predecessors and gradually diminished the Arab essence of governance, paving the way for the Seljuks and later figures like Saladin, who won the significant Battle of Hattin in 1187, reclaiming Jerusalem from the Crusaders.
Contemporary events in the Gaza Strip, West Bank, Lebanon, and Syria are merely continuations of longstanding issues. Presently, Israel’s occupancy of strategic areas such as Mount Hermon violates international decisions and past agreements, illustrating an ongoing pattern of Zionist expansion and foreign intervention aimed at destabilizing Arab nations sequentially. Syria has notably resisted normalization with Israel based on exploitative interests, particularly in the aftermath of an earthquake on December 8, 2024.
During a prior encounter with the late President Hafez al-Assad, he remarked on a copper plaque illustrating the Battle of Hattin, emphasizing that “the Arabs fought the Crusaders for more than 100 years until they expelled them from Jerusalem… and that the fate of Israel will be like the fate of the Crusades.” He rebuffed an offer from the late Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin concerning Golan Heights, insisting that Israel’s flag would fly in Damascus only upon the establishment of a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.
Today, as Israel intensifies its military operations against Syria, conducting more than 480 raids affecting military infrastructure and naval capabilities, the repercussions pose significant implications for regional security. The deliberate undermining of the Syrian army mirrors the disbanding of the Iraqi military in 2003, ultimately facilitating Israeli objectives. The enduring strategic gains belong to the Syrian populace rather than any regime, demanding that the Syrian government recognize Zionist ambitions to secure national sovereignty and security.
Syria’s recovery hinges upon recognizing and prioritizing its national interests, which necessitates unity and an end to divisive policies fueled by vengeance. History illustrates that formidable challenges can only be effectively confronted through the solidarity of a unified populace and an astute leadership understanding that a strong Syria is vital for regional stability and deterrence against threats.
The Arab nation currently stands at a crossroads, necessitating an overarching project to extricate itself from cycles of conflict and sectarian strife that hinder progress. Achieving this objective requires clear vision, determination, and inspired leadership; otherwise, the region may descend into chaos and fragmentation. The Syrian people, with their rich historical legacy, possess the resilience needed to navigate this arduous period and fulfill their aspirations for freedom, independence, and sovereignty.
The article discusses the historical context of Arab governance, primarily focusing on the rise and fall of the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates and their failed approaches to maintaining power amidst internal and external challenges. It draws parallels to contemporary conflicts affecting Syria and the broader Arab region, highlighting Israel’s actions and their implications for national identity and integrity within the Arab world. The author stresses the importance of unity and national interest for Syria’s recovery and future stability.
In conclusion, the historical patterns of conflict in the Arab world underscore the need for unity and a concerted effort to safeguard national interests, especially in Syria. With ongoing Israeli incursions and military operations threatening regional stability, the necessity for a cohesive Arab project aimed at overcoming divisive conflicts is paramount. The resilience of the Syrian people, along with their commitment to sovereignty and independence, is vital for navigating the current crises and achieving a future defined by solidarity and strength.
Original Source: countercurrents.org
