Syrian Concessions on Lebanon Come at a Price

Sources close to top Syrian decision-makers say that Damascus wants to delay resolving the Lebanese political crisis until the Arab League summit takes place in March, and that it may demand payment in exchange for making concessions on Lebanon.



On January 16, Free Syria, an opposition website, cited sources close to the regime as saying Syrian leaders would consider demanding cash or more than 10 billion US dollars in aid for domestic projects, to be paid by other Arab states. In return, Syria would agree to relinquish some of its interests in Lebanon.



The sources said Qatar had advised Syria to delay a solution to the Lebanese crisis until the summit, which will be held in Damascus. In addition to attempting to raise funds, the Syrian regime may try to garner political support in a bid to reduce political threats facing it.



Syria is expected to hold in-depth discussions on Lebanon with Saudi Arabia and Egypt.



[The Saudis and Egyptians have criticised Syria’s powerful role in Lebanon. The latter country’s anti-Syrian leaders have battled with the Damascus -backed opposition over who is to lead the next government. Lebanon has not had a functioning government or a president since November 2007.]



Other sources inside Syria, however, expressed concern that regional tensions over Syria’s poor handling of the Lebanon crisis and also its alliance with Iran could discourage some Arab leaders from attending the conference.