In a major revelation, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa confirmed in an exclusive interview with The Washington Post that Syria and Israel are holding direct negotiations and have “gone a good distance” toward a deal. He insisted that no agreement would be reached unless Israel withdrew fully to its pre-8 December borders. Sharaa also stated that Damascus had expelled Iranian and Lebanese forces, removing what Israel long used as its excuse for attacks.
The announcement comes after years of Israeli airstrikes and illegal occupation of the Golan Heights. Israel continues to justify its aggression under the banner of “security,” while repeatedly targeting civilian areas and infrastructure inside Syria. These operations have been condemned by rights groups as violations of international law and deliberate acts of intimidation.
Sharaa revealed he met with U.S. officials, including former President Donald Trump, who signaled support for the negotiations. Yet Washington’s history of “mediation” often shields Israel from accountability. American involvement has repeatedly turned peace efforts into power plays protecting Israel’s dominance while sidelining Arab sovereignty.
The human toll of this ongoing conflict is immense. Thousands have been killed or displaced, with homes, hospitals, and schools destroyed by airstrikes. Western governments, especially the United States and the United Kingdom, continue to arm and defend Israel, enabling policies that have devastated civilian life across the region.
Meanwhile, several Arab regimes remain silent or complicit. Nations such as Egypt and the UAE have deepened ties with Tel Aviv, prioritizing trade and diplomacy over justice. Their normalization efforts have further isolated Palestinians and emboldened Israel’s occupation.
If the talks restore Syria’s sovereignty and force Israeli withdrawal, they could reshape the region. But if they simply serve U.S. and Israeli interests, they will stand as yet another betrayal disguised as peace another deal written in the language of diplomacy but sealed in the suffering of the oppressed.
