MEF Dispatch: Islamists Threats at Home and Kurdish Resilience in Syria

Islamists Threats at Home and Kurdish Resilience in Syria

By Ahnaf Kalam ● Jan 03, 2025

Smart Brevity® count: 5.5 mins...1418 words

In this edition, we explore a range of pressing developments at home and abroad. First, we examine the decision by Houston’s Harris County Commissioners Court to invite a radical Islamic Society of Greater Houston imam to address them even though the mosque has hosted events with participants linked to terrorism. We then investigate the reactions of U.K.-based Islamists to the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, revealing how their narratives intertwine with broader tensions surrounding Zionism and national liberation. Next, we analyze Iran’s weakening proxy network and the opportunity this presents for Israel to revive its strategic minority alliances to counter Tehran’s influence. Finally, we review Israel’s military gains in 2024, highlighting the challenges of balancing ongoing regional threats with resurgent Sunni Islamist power in Syria.

Houston’s Harris County Embraces Official of Islamist Network Connected to New Orleans Terrorist

The invitation extended to an ISGH imam to address the Harris County Commissioners Court is raising eyebrows.

Why it matters: This decision comes on the heels of a massacre linked to radical elements, sparking concerns over the imam's connections and the mosque's history.

The big picture: The ISGH mosque has been associated with extremist activities, including hosting events with individuals and groups linked to terrorism.

The mosque's past speakers include advocates for Palestinian resistance and members of organizations with terror ties.

Next steps for Harris County: The decision to provide a platform to ISGH officials is seen as tone-deaf by many, especially those within the Muslim community opposing radicalism.

Community leaders are calling for a review of the invitation and a broader examination of the ISGH's role in the community.

To read the full article, click here.

U.K. Islamists Welcome Assad’s Fall, Fear ‘Zionist’ Influence

Islamist groups in the U.K. have voiced their reactions to the fall of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, focusing on perceived Zionist influences.

Why it matters: The responses highlight a broader fixation on Israel and Jews, reflecting ongoing tensions within Islamist narratives.

CAGE's stance: Two days prior to Assad's fall, CAGE International released a statement supporting Syrian resistance and drawing parallels to Palestinian struggles.

The statement criticized Assad's regime and condemned Western leftists for supporting it.

Islam21c's narrative: The publication featured radical preacher Haitham al-Haddad, who framed Syrian Islamists as freedom fighters, warning against Zionist agendas.

Broader implications: The fall of Assad is seen by many Islamists as an opportunity to advance their narrative, shifting focus from terrorism to national liberation.

To read the full article, click here.

As Iran’s Network of Proxies Withers, Israel Has an Opening to Revive Its Own

With Iran's proxy network weakening, Israel considers forming alliances with regional minorities to counterbalance Tehran's influence.

Why it matters: As Iran's traditional proxies falter, Israel sees an opportunity to strengthen its geopolitical position by engaging with groups historically marginalized in the Middle East.

Historical context: Israel has previously leveraged minority alliances for strategic gains, notably with Kurdish and Maronite communities.

Such alliances provided Israel with crucial intelligence and support in regional conflicts.

Potential risks: While promising, these alliances carry risks, including potential entanglement in local conflicts and accountability for proxy actions.

The strategy requires careful navigation to avoid past pitfalls.

To read the full article, click here.

Israel’s War Efforts Made Great Strides in 2024, but Much Remains Ahead

Israel made significant military strides in 2024, yet challenges persist against regional threats.

Why it matters: Israel's successes against Iran's proxies have reshaped the geopolitical landscape, though the rise of Sunni Islamism presents new challenges.

Hostage Rescue Sparks Momentum: The liberation of Israeli hostages marked a turning point, showcasing Israel's improved intelligence in Gaza.

This operation set the stage for further strategic victories, including the neutralization of key adversaries.

Strategic Assassinations: Israel targeted leaders of Hezbollah and Hamas, weakening Iran's axis of influence.

Notable eliminations include Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

Emerging Threats: Despite these achievements, the rise of HTS supported by Turkey highlights the persistent threat of political Islam.

Israel's future efforts must balance military gains with diplomatic strategies to address these evolving challenges.

To read the full article, click here.

New Syrian Spy Chief Has Long History with Turkish Intelligence Agency

Anas Hasan Khattab, with ties to Al-Qaeda, is now Syria's intelligence head, raising questions about Turkey's role in his ascent.

Why it matters: Khattab's appointment reveals Turkey's covert support for jihadist factions, potentially destabilizing the region further.

Turkey's secret dealings: Despite international sanctions, Turkey's intelligence network maintained ties with Khattab, ignoring U.N. and U.S. terrorist designations.

Turkish intelligence reportedly facilitated arms and logistics to jihadist groups in Syria, defying global counterterrorism efforts.

Implications for Erdogan: The Turkish government, led by President Erdoğan, may face blowback from its engagement with jihadist factions, risking increased regional instability.

Similar to Pakistan's experience, Turkey could encounter heightened militancy within its borders if these alliances shift against Ankara.

To read the full article, click here.

The Situation in al-Suwayda' and the New Syria: A Druze Perspective

The Rijal al-Karama movement, a Druze organization prominent in al-Suwayda’, plays a key role in the post-Assad security landscape of southern Syria.

Why it matters: As Syria transitions, Rijal al-Karama’s efforts to maintain order are crucial amid ongoing tensions between different factions.

Security efforts: The movement has been instrumental in dismantling remnants of the Assad regime, focusing on protecting public institutions and enforcing law and order.

Their military engineering squadron is actively removing war remnants, ensuring safety in the region.

Future of Syrian factions: Discussions are underway about integrating all factions into a new Syrian army, though Rijal al-Karama remains cautious about disbanding its forces until a stable national state is established.

Concerns persist about factional tensions and external influences, particularly from Iran.

Vision for Syria: Leaders like Basim Abu Fakhr advocate for a united national state that safeguards all citizens' rights, regardless of regional or sectarian differences.

A decentralized administrative system is seen as a potential framework to accommodate Syria's diverse regions.

To read the full article, click here.

Disarming Would Be Suicidal for the Kurds

Amidst Turkey's ongoing pressure, Kurdish forces in Syria view disarming as a dangerous move that could jeopardize their autonomy.

Why it matters: The Kurdish struggle for self-determination is at a critical juncture, with Turkey's demands posing significant risks to their regional position.

Turkish pressure: Turkey has consistently pushed for Kurdish disarmament, but Kurds see this as premature and potentially suicidal.

Turkey's "peace" initiative lacks credibility, as it continues ethnic cleansing and demographic changes in Kurdish areas.

Kurdish stance: Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan advocates for "fraternity," but for this to succeed, Turkey would need to undertake constitutional reforms and recognized Kurdish rights before Kurds could consider disarmament.

The Kurds demand Turkey's withdrawal from occupied regions and the release of detained Kurdish leaders.

Future prospects: Recognizing Kurdish autonomy and addressing historical grievances are essential for a genuine peace process.

Without concrete steps from Turkey, Kurdish disarmament remains unlikely, as it would expose them to Turkish aggression.

To read the full article, click here.

Supporting Kurdish Opposition Presents Opportunity to Weaken Islamic Republic’s Influence

Engaging with Iran's Kurdish opposition offers the U.S. a pragmatic approach to weaken Tehran's influence while avoiding extremist compromises seen in Syria.

Why it matters: The Kurdish opposition in Iran provides a unique opportunity to promote democratic ideals and challenge Tehran's authoritarian regime without direct military intervention.

Strategic alignment: The Kurds align with U.S. principles of governance and inclusivity, focusing on self-determination and avoiding ties to extremist ideologies.

Supporting the Kurds could force Iran to divert resources domestically, limiting its regional power projection.

Challenges and approach: While logistical challenges exist, the U.S. can provide support through Kurdish diaspora networks and the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq.

Covert assistance could include intelligence-sharing and humanitarian aid, circumventing direct military involvement.

Lessons from Syria: The Syrian experience highlights the need to engage with opposition forces and avoid empowering extremist actors.

Engaging with the Kurds presents a strategic alternative to extremist compromises, offering a credible democratic vision for Iran's future.

To read the full article, click here.

From Harris County's controversial engagement with the Islamic Society of Greater Houston, to Israel's strategic gains against Iran's proxies, and to the continuing fallout from the Assad's regime’s collapse, we analyze the ongoing tension between local actions and their broader global implications, each of which demands careful attention from policymakers and stakeholders The next issue of the MEF Dispatch will dive into emerging developments to keep you abreast of the latest news from the Middle East. Stay tuned.

Sincerely,
Ahnaf Kalam
Digital Media Specialist
Middle East Forum

Was this edition useful?

Your responses are anonymous

Powered by