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Despite Ceasefire Deal, Iranian Stronghold in Syrian Golan Still Possible

(Ynet News) Ron Ben-Yishai - A ceasefire agreement in southwestern Syria, which went into effect on Sunday, freezes the situation in the areas controlled by the Syrian regime, the areas controlled by militias operating on behalf of Iran and Hizbullah, and the areas controlled by the rebels, preventing the Iranian-backed militias and Hizbullah from advancing towards the Iraqi border. For now, as a result, the Iranians and their proxies are unable to create a land corridor connecting Tehran and Beirut and flanking Jordan and Israel. A ceasefire will stop the "spillover" fire into the Golan Heights and Jordan from the battles between the Syrian army and the rebels. However, the agreement fails to completely remove the Iranian militias and Hizbullah from the area, currently 40 km. from the Golan border, as Israel likely demanded behind the scenes. This means that if and when the ceasefire is violated, the forces supported by Iran and Hizbullah would be able to continue their advance towards creating a strategic corridor to the Mediterranean Sea and establish a stronghold in the Golan Heights. The ceasefire agreement for southwestern Syria was reached in direct talks between the U.S. and Russia and was finalized between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in their meeting Friday. Assad and the Iranians have realized that they are incapable of conquering the city of Daraa on the Jordanian border and that the rebels are successfully attacking them near new Quneitra in the Golan Heights, so they agreed to a ceasefire. But the moment the Syrian regime and the Iranians conclude they are strong enough to reoccupy Daraa, they will do it without any hesitation.
2017-07-10 00:00:00
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