Egypt
Syria’s relationship with Egypt is tense despite close historic ties and sustained diplomatic relations except for a 1979-1989 hiatus. Syrian support for Hezbollah and its ties to Iran are the primary causes of the tension, although Syria’s support for Hamas also troubles Egypt.
Iran
Syria has closer relations with Iran than most Arab states. It supported Iran in the Iraq-Iran War. After the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, the countries agreed to a mutual defense treaty, which they reaffirmed in May 2008. Iran also supported Syria following its alleged involvement in the 2005 Rafik Hariri assassination. The countries are Hezbollah’s main supporters.
Iraq
Syria and Saddam Hussein were at constant odds, with Syria even joining the 1990 U.S.-led coalition against Hussein. Since the 2003 war in Iraq, Syria has been a major transit point for insurgents entering Iraq, and in 2007, Iraq and Syria signed their first security agreement to increase border security. Syria also hosts more than 1 million Iraqi refugees, straining its social welfare system.
Israel
Technically in a state of war, Syria and Israel are currently holding indirect negotiations with the mediation of Turkey. Initiated by Yitzhak Rabin in 1993, Israeli-Syrian peace talks collapsed in 1996 and 2000. Unresolved issues include Israel’s occupation of the Golan Heights, access to Israel’s main water source, Syrian support for Hezbollah and Hamas and its relationship with Iran.
Jordan
Syrian relations with Jordan were strained in the 1970s by Syria’s support for PLO activities in Jordan. In 1981, Jordan accused Damascus of plotting to assassinate its prime minister and cut diplomatic ties. Relations were restored in 1986 and have been improving despite Jordanian King Abdullah’s periodic criticism of Syria’s role in Lebanon. In 2001, Jordan and Syria signed a trade agreement. Jordan also encouraged Syria to participate in the Annapolis conference.
Lebanon
In 2005, Syria ended a three-decade occupation of Lebanon following the Hariri assassination and Syria’s suspected involvement therein. Despite the withdrawal, Syrian-Lebanese relations remain tense. Many Arab countries blamed Syria for encouraging the recent 18 month deadlock in Lebanese politics. Syria was involved in brokering the Doha Accords that ended the impasse. The two countries’ leaders said at the Union of the Mediterranean summit they would exchange ambassadors for the first time.
Qatar
Qatar has provided important diplomatic support for Syria, abstaining from a vote on the UN Security Council 1757 that created a UN special tribunal to investigate the Hariri assassination. It also serves as a financial benefactor, investing in projects ranging from tourism to property development.
Saudi Arabia
The Saudi government shares Egypt’s concern regarding the Syria-Iran relationship. Syrian actions in Lebanon, particularly alleged Syrian involvement in the assassination of Hariri, a friend of the Saudi royal family, have strained relations with Riyadh. Saudi Arabia is a strong supporter of the March 14 coalition in Lebanon, vocal opponents of Syrian meddling.
Turkey
Syria’s relations with Turkey reached a low point in the late 1990s, with Turkey accusing Syria of sheltering Kurdish PKK separatists. Tensions receded when Syria halted support for the PKK and expelled its leader Abdullah Ocalan. In early 2004, Assad made his first visit to Turkey. With sizable Kurdish populations, neither Turkey nor Syria wants an independent Kurdish state. For more than a year, Turkey has mediated indirect Syria-Israel peace talks.
