The US's duplicitous policy with Iranian Shiite militias: allies in Iraq, enemies in Syria. The clashes between Shiite rebels and fighters are concentrated in the southeast of the country. The goal is to create a supply path connecting Syria and Iraq. Problems with the Middle East region and obstacles to the reform process undertaken in Tehran.
Damascus (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The United States has sent a new arms supply to Syrian rebels in Syria fighting President Bashar al-Assad and Shiite militias supported by Iran. The same fighting groups, in Iraq, are instead a valuable ally in the struggle against the Islamic State (IS) and in the offensive in effect in Mosul, the stronghold of the "Caliphate."
The clashes between rebels and Shiite militias are concentrated in the Southeast of Syria, as part of an ongoing campaign promoted by pro-Iranian forces. The goal of Shiite guerrillas is to create a supply route from Iraq to Syria.
Last month's escalation of tension is concentrated in the Badia region, Southeast of Syria. The Damascus government forces, supported by Iraqi militias, have engaged in heavy battles against anti-Assad rebels. Overwhelmingly, there is evidence of the transfer of pro-Iranian militias from Mosul to the border, in order to continue the struggle against Isis in Syria.
Washington's decision to provide new weapons and equipment to Sunni fighters is likely to worsen the relations with Baghdad, which counts on the presence of Shiite guerrillas to defeat the Islamic State (IS). Moreover, it is likely to have heavy reflections in Syrian territory, further exacerbating the situation.
In his recent trip to Saudi Arabia, the first diplomatic mission abroad since his election, US President Donald Trump re-launched charges against Tehran, accusing Iran of "supporting, arming and training" terrorists and militias throughout the Middle East, but especially in Iraq and Syria.
Middle East Policy Analysts and Experts point out that, more than Tehran, it is the United States and the Arab allies who are supporting further conflict. A group of scholars - an economist, a sociologist and a geographer - quoted by Le Monde recall the "proof of maturity" shown by the Iranians with the latest elections [and the reconfirmation of moderate Hassan Rouhani] and the "stability" pursued by his leadership.
Scholars point out that Iran is not responsible for "Mosul and Raqqa's Occupation" or the September 11 attacks, or even attacks in Manchester or Charlie Hebdo just to name a few. And it is Iran, along with the Kurds, the only military force that has shown that it is capable of rejecting the offensive of the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq.
The policy promoted by the American president, experts conclude, in "conciliation" with Saudi Arabia and Israel, "will not be likely to result in an open war with Iran." However, it risks undermining the "peaceful dynamics" tevolving in the nation under Rouhani's moderation.