Damascus denies that Syrian officials met with Hezbollah in Türkiye, but whether or not they met, the broader trajectory of Syria-Lebanon relations warrants scrutiny
Syria should think twice before talking to Hezbollah
The Syrian Foreign Ministry and the Turkish presidency both denied a Reuters report that a Syrian Foreign Ministry delegation had met Hezbollah representatives in Türkiye. Despite the ministry’s insistence that relations between Syria and Lebanon should be conducted exclusively through state institutions, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani told Lebanese media recently in Beirut: “If the national interest requires a meeting with Hezbollah, we are open to it.” For its part, Hezbollah neither confirmed nor denied the visit.
Whether the report is true or not, the broader trajectory of relations between the two countries warrants scrutiny. Repeated reports of arms smuggling across the border, along with the presence of Hezbollah-linked cells operating in Syria, have led some to see grounds for a meeting between the two sides. If such a meeting has taken place, or does take place, the Lebanese side bears some responsibility. Lebanese state institutions remain unable to secure the border or end Hezbollah’s dominance over decisions of war and peace.
Syria, too, bears part of the responsibility. Officials from the two countries have made many visits, yet interior and defence ministers have often been absent from these meetings, as have intelligence and senior security officials. With the region in such a fragile and sensitive state, and Iran continuing its efforts to destabilise it and spread instability, questions of protocol and who visits whom should not obstruct serious discussion of security matters.
The problem on the Lebanese side is a reluctance to speak openly about concerns in their relationship with Syria. At times, they remain silent even over what they see as infringements of Lebanon’s sovereignty or violations of its laws. On the Syrian side, the problem is a greater preoccupation with appearances than with what lies behind them. Some are still caught up in the euphoria of victory, without giving enough thought to the fact that relations between the two countries have yet to become, in the fullest sense, a genuine state-to-state relationship.
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Syria should approach any dealings with Hezbollah with particular caution and a clear understanding of what such a relationship entails
One need only look at the Syrian embassy’s activities in Beirut, the way some Lebanese engage with it, and the complaints of Lebanese officials about their dealings with the Syrian side to see that the warning extends far beyond a single report.
Syrians should understand that Hezbollah cannot be treated simply as a Lebanese actor, detached from its regional alliances. The group has repeatedly involved itself in conflicts beyond Lebanon’s interests in order to advance the agendas of its regional allies.
Given its record in Lebanon, Syria should approach any dealings with Hezbollah with particular caution and a clear understanding of what such a relationship entails. For its part, Lebanese officials need to voice in public the concerns they express in private.
For the Syria-Lebanon relationship to truly thrive, both sides need to deal directly with their counterparts on security, political and economic matters, and not seek temporary arrangements with non-state actors.
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