Will Hamas-Syrian relations be affected by the Arab state's recent Turkish-mediated talks with Israel? According to a report on AlJazeera.net, Syria's dependency on groups like Hamas and Hezbollah for power, and the shifting of the strategic landscape in its favor, may dissuade the Arab state from distancing itself from these militant groups. The report features commentary provided by Palestinian analysts and a Hamas spokesperson on this issue.
One specialist on Islamic movements suggests that Syria would be unwilling to give up its “points of power” that it depends upon through groups such as Hamas. Given that any deal on the Golan Heights would likely demand the Arab state to break its relationship with Hamas, it is unlikely that Syria would be willing to pay such a price. Another analyst argues that Syria is in a better strategic position than it was in past talks, while Israel and America have experienced setbacks. Thus, in his opinion, the military successes of groups like Hezbollah have only increased the value of these groups to Syria, leading him to declare that Syria's relationship with these groups will only be reinforced through these talks.
Meanwhile, a Hamas representative affirms that the group's relationship with Syria will not be affected by the talks, as was the case in previous negotiations with Israel. He states, “Syria knows how to look after its interests while it seeks the return of the Golan, and it also knows how to preserve its relations as a state of steadfastness and durability that has safeguarded its land and people.”
However, can't this also be seen as the most ideal time for Syria to cash in on its ties with militant groups and its increased leverage? Perhaps, the question then becomes a matter of how Syria's relations with Iran would be affected by such a move.
