Dimasheq
The former director of the Syria portfolio at the U.S. National Security Council, Andrew Tabler, stated that the United States should not encourage any Syrian military intervention in Lebanon, noting that strengthening border controls represents a practical option to limit the logistical support networks of “Hezbollah” without triggering escalation or open confrontation.
In an article published by Al Majalla on Saturday, Tabler warned that any perception of a U.S. desire to push Damascus into a military role inside Lebanon could create miscalculations among various actors, potentially leading to steps that would harm U.S. interests in the region.
Tabler emphasized that the lifting of Syria from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, or the easing of U.S. sanctions imposed on it, should not be linked to any potential military role in Lebanon. He called on Washington to focus instead on supporting reconstruction efforts and developing Syria’s energy sector.
He also urged the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump to establish a gradual pathway for lifting the designation and other sanctions, conditional on Damascus achieving tangible progress in political inclusion, security cooperation, and economic reform.
Tabler stressed the importance of integrating Syria into a broader regional strategy to contain Iranian influence, in coordination with Gulf countries, European partners, and Lebanon, including issues related to refugees, humanitarian aid, and reconstruction
