Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq: Cooperation to Strengthen Legitimacy and the Economy

At a joint press conference in Ankara, Syrian Foreign Minister Asad al-Shibani and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan affirmed their rejection of Israeli violations in southern Syria and emphasized the need to pressure Israel into respecting Syrian territorial integrity, while also expressing their intent to intensify security and economic cooperation between the two countries and enhance coordination in defense and counter-terrorism.

During the event, Shibani stated that Damascus and Ankara have prioritized shared political and economic issues. He affirmed that stability and counter-terrorism form the foundation of their partnership, stressing that the Syrian government remains committed to establishing state authority across all its territory and eliminating any armed presence outside legal frameworks. He added that "a unified Syria free from terrorism and militias forms a solid barrier for protecting shared borders," and noted the agreement between the two sides to support efforts led by Iraq and Lebanon to strengthen regional stability.

According to diplomatic sources at "Al-Markaziya," the situation is becoming clearer each day: Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon are moving toward a new phase, backed by Turkey and also supported by Saudi Arabia and the United States. This phase includes first, confining arms to legitimate state forces and disarming militias—mostly Iranian, with some Kurdish elements in Syria, where dialogue between Damascus and the SDF is ongoing. Second, liberating land from Israeli occupation and establishing lasting stability between Syria and Lebanon on one side, and Israel on the other, after Israel withdraws from occupied territories and halts its attacks and violations of Syrian and Lebanese lands. Third, economic and commercial cooperation, particularly in oil and energy, among the three countries and Turkey.

The continuous diplomatic, political, and ministerial activity along the Ankara–Beirut–Damascus–Baghdad axis, marked by high-level reciprocal visits in recent days, confirms that this "alliance" or "axis" is being formed. Each capital will serve as a support and strength for the others, not an obstacle or interference in their affairs, to achieve the aforementioned goals, foremost among them arms consolidation. This will become evident in the coming phase, especially along the Beirut–Damascus and Damascus–Baghdad lines, sources conclude.

Laura Yamin

Al-Markaziya