The Lebanese government delegation’s talks in Damascus, on Monday, focused on addressing the outstanding issues between the two countries. Informed sources in the Syrian capital told Asharq Al-Awsat that the pivotal importance of these discussions is to move from the general framework to examining the required practical and executive measures, indicating that the Syrian side focused on the file of border control, cooperation and joint security coordination, while the Lebanese side focused mainly on the file of Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
The Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani, received in the capital, Damascus, a high-level Lebanese delegation headed by Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Mitri.
The meeting was attended from the Syrian side by: Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Marawan Al-Halabi, Minister of Education Muhammad Turku, and Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Hind Qabwat, while the Lebanese side included Minister of Education and Higher Education Rima Karami, Minister of Labor Muhammad Haidar, and Minister of Social Affairs Haneen Al-Sayyed.
The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained in a statement, Monday, that “the meeting discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries, and develop joint coordination in various fields, most notably security cooperation and border control, in addition to expanding the horizons of partnership in the sectors of education, higher education, social affairs, and labor, and following up on the work of the joint technical committees in a way that serves mutual interests.”
The visit of the Lebanese delegation to Damascus comes in the context of strengthening bilateral relations, in continuation of previous talks, and in follow-up to the work of the joint committees that were formed between the two sides to address common files, after the two countries agreed last July to form a joint supreme committee as an institutional framework to coordinate the work of the relevant ministries, develop economic, investment and trade cooperation, and enhance security understandings.
In this context, the bilateral ministries held specialized sessions that discussed the joint files, each one according to his specialization, with the aim of formulating the procedures required to address them, according to what was reported by the official Syrian news agency, SANA.
The Lebanese side included a technical delegation assigned by the Ministry of Interior to discuss the security cooperation file on behalf of the Lebanese Minister of Interior, Ahmed Al-Hajjar, who informed the Syrian side of the postponement of his visit to Damascus to a later date, indicating in a statement issued on Monday that his absence from the meeting came for private and emergency reasons.
According to informed sources in Damascus, the file of controlling the Syrian-Lebanese border, the movement of border crossings, and security coordination to combat smuggling and infiltration were at the forefront of the talks, in parallel with the issue of Syrian refugees and the conditions of those residing in Lebanon, especially those who entered surreptitiously. The discussions sought to address the refugee issue from multiple angles. Social, security and legal matters. The issue of Syrian students in Lebanese schools was also raised, and the need to address the issue of equivalency of academic certificates.
It is noteworthy that the Lebanese Minister of Social Affairs, Hanin Al-Sayyid, visited Syria, in the middle of last month, to discuss the refugee issue, and indicated at the time that the total number of returnees from Lebanon to Syria amounted to 700 thousand people, based on data issued by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees until the end of September 2026.
These developments reflect the beginning of a new page in bilateral relations between Damascus and Beirut, breaking with the phase of the previous Syrian regime and its dominance over Lebanon, and working to address the effects of the legacy of the previous phase by building new relations based on mutual respect for the sovereignty and independence of the two countries.
The visit of the Lebanese ministerial delegation, headed by Mitri, on Monday, culminated in an escalating diplomatic path that actually began in March 2025 with a founding security meeting held in the city of Jeddah under Saudi sponsorship, and resulted in an agreement between the defense ministers of the two countries to enhance coordination and control the borders, followed in April of the same year by a historic visit, the first by Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to the Syrian capital, during which new cooperation frameworks were formulated.
By November 2025, Minister Tariq Mitri began a preliminary round of understandings that paved the way for subsequent visits, most notably the follow-up visit made by Salam in May 2026, which was followed by a Syrian diplomatic movement in July 2026, represented by the visit of Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani to Beirut, and the announcement of the establishment of the “Joint Lebanese-Syrian Higher Committee.”
Most Iraqi sources close to the ruling Shiite “coordinating framework” forces indicate the presence of deep disagreements and signs of rift that may cause its forces to unravel in the near or medium term. Some observers view some of the public disputes that have erupted between its leaders recently, as tangible indicators of a widening gap in framework disputes.
Sources close to the Framework Forces indicate a state of intense polarization between its parties imposed by a group of contradictory factors and positions, whether at the level of the relationship with Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, or at the level of intersection of viewpoints regarding a range of public and private issues, including positions on the issue of disarming the factions and the financial crisis that the country is suffering from, or those related to the shares and government positions that are vacant or distributed among the Framework Forces.
Declared framework disagreement
Last Saturday, a public crisis erupted within the framework forces when Khaled Al-Marsoumi, a member of the “Reconstruction and Development” coalition led by former Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani, called for the trial of the head of the “State of Law” coalition, Nouri Al-Maliki, after he accused him of “destroying society and spreading strife,” against the backdrop of the fall of about a third of the country’s lands into the hands of “ISIS” while Al-Maliki was serving as prime minister in 2014. Hisham Al-Rikabi, director of Al-Maliki’s media office, responded to him by saying: “Enough of the hypocrisy and one-upmanship. Whoever talks today about the fall of the provinces and strife must stop investing the tragedies of the Iraqis in his political rivalries.”
Last week, the “Reconstruction and Development” bloc decided to suspend its attendance at parliamentary sessions. In protest against what she described as “the systematic transgressions and irresponsible behaviors that some representatives insist on adopting,” she saw that they “fall within the framework of malicious targeting campaigns and the systematic targeting of the (Reconstruction and Development) coalition and its leadership.” Criticisms and accusations of the “Reconstruction and Development” bloc and its president, Muhammad Shiaa al-Sudani, are often issued by representatives and figures in the “Coordination Framework” forces.
Zaidi's resentment
Sources close to the government and the “coordination framework” forces indicate that “a severe state of polarization prevails within these forces.”
The sources told Asharq Al-Awsat: “This is the result of some framework forces aligning with Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, while other forces seek to question his administration of the state and obstruct his efforts to disarm the factions, in addition to objection to his foreign tours, especially his recent visit to Syria and the issue of competition for vacant government positions, such as the Prime Minister’s Office and the National Security Service.”
It confirms that the Zaidi Prime Minister “feels resentful of the state of polarization, and the efforts of some blocs and parties to undermine many of his powers and to pressure him in the issue of confronting corruption and disarming the factions.”
The sources add that “Al-Zaidi finds himself severely besieged by the framework forces who insist on meeting with him weekly in a context parallel to his weekly meetings with his government cabinet.”
The head of the Supreme Islamic Council, Hammam Hamoudi, said last Saturday that “Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is the choice of the (coordination framework), and the framework is responsible before God and his people for drawing up visions and policies, in accordance with the law and the constitution, while al-Zaidi is responsible for implementing them through his governmental mechanisms,” which indicates the “dominance” of the forces of the “coordination framework” over the government decision and the “modesty” of the prime minister’s powers, according to observers.
Academic and head of the Center for Political Thinking, Ihsan Al-Shammari, believes that “the (coordination framework), which maintained its cohesion during two successive governments, is today facing sharp intersections and disagreements resulting from clashing interests and differing views on a number of files.”
Al-Shammari said in an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat that “at the forefront of the differences is the issue of sharing government positions, dealing with corruption files, and the issue of weapons, which may put him at risk of division.”
Leadership struggle
Al-Zaidi points out that “the leadership struggle within the (coordination framework), which extends for years, has begun to be more clearly established in the nature of the existing dispute between Nouri al-Maliki and Muhammad Shiaa al-Sudani, the former prime minister, which reflects a struggle for leadership, and an attempt to impose influence and decision-making within the framework.”
Weapon file
Al-Shammari believes that “the arms issue stands out as one of the most prominent points of disagreement, not only between Al-Maliki and Sudanese, but also between the various parties of the (coordination framework), especially since the majority of its forces tend to keep weapons, even if that is not a unified position for all its parties. This file has created a crisis within the framework, between the Prime Minister’s direction towards achieving rapid progress in the file of restricting weapons to the state, and the positions of forces that do not seem ready to give up their weapons, in light of the mounting American pressures.”
Al-Shammari believes that the failure of the “coordination framework” to “respond to the American requirements related to dismantling weapons systems outside the framework of the state, especially with the possibility of President Donald Trump’s administration resorting to extreme pressure, which may include imposing sanctions and other scenarios, as this may push the framework towards further disintegration and division.”
Iranian cohesion
However, Al-Shammari speaks about the fact that it cannot be overlooked that the “coordinating framework” and the Shiite forces in general have been subjected to major political and popular tremors since 2019. But what distinguished the stage that followed the formation of Muhammad Shia’ al-Sudani’s government was the presence of “a political officer who was able to control the balances of the framework, contain its differences, and maintain a minimum level of cohesion among its components.”
Accordingly, Al-Shammari believes that “the external factor that prevented the disintegration of the (coordination framework) is the Iranian factor. Tehran still believes that the survival of the (coordination framework), despite the divisions, disagreements and exchange of accusations it is witnessing among its components, strengthens its presence in the Iraqi decision-making process and provides a political umbrella that protects its influence inside Iraq.”
Therefore, according to Al-Shammari, “as long as this factor exists, Iran will apparently continue to work towards preventing the fragmentation of the (coordination framework) and maintaining its cohesion, even at the formal level.”
He concludes by saying, “This does not necessarily mean that the framework will remain immune to disintegration, especially if a major change occurs in the political equation, whether internal or regional, especially if it is linked to the developments of the US-Iranian war and its repercussions on Iraq.”
Jordanian King Abdullah II opened the work of the third parliamentary session of the current House of Representatives. Recalling the “Hamoud Church” incident, in which 9 martyrs were killed and about 40 wounded, the Friday before last, while they were participating in the funeral service for a member of the Hilsa clan, which is one of the largest Christian clans from the southern Karak Governorate.
The Jordanian king said: “A few days ago, the treacherous hand of terrorism extended to test the mettle of our state.” Stressing that his country will not allow the “Kharijite” terrorists to “harm the security and unity of the nation.” Pointing out that these people “are not among us,” that they “betrayed this family,” and that they have no place among us, neither today nor tomorrow.
Amid applause from representatives, notables, and members of the ministerial team, Abdullah II stressed that “Jordan has been and will remain rebellious against every brutal aggressor who is ignorant of Jordan’s history.” He reiterated that “Jordan’s strength is in its people, the more cohesion, insight and wisdom they become.”
The Palestinian issue
The Jordanian King affirmed his country’s position that “there is no way to security and stability in our region without fulfilling the right of the Palestinian people to their land,” noting that “despite international demands to stop Israeli violations, the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza continues, successive attacks continue in the West Bank and Jerusalem, and Israeli expansionist ambitions remain the greatest threat to the future and hopes of the region.”
During the speech, everyone stood and applauded the king when he said: “The people will not forget - directing the speech to the occupying state - whoever thinks that tyranny grants legitimacy is delusional. Whoever thinks that time erases the truth is delusional. Whoever thinks that the Jordanian is retreating from his principles is also delusional.”
The King supports Parliament and demands responsible freedoms
Regarding political life in the country and the role of constitutional authorities, the Jordanian King affirmed that “the House of Representatives is a cornerstone and an introduction to political life, as the nation is the source of authorities and the source of its strength.” This principle “strengthens our internal front so that it remains immune and protected.” A strong Jordan is the one most capable of defending its interests and the issues of its nation, so that it can fulfill its responsibilities.
Abdullah II called on the House of Representatives to be “a voice for the nation, a guardian of the public interest, and a watchdog of government performance.” Stressing that differences of opinion are strength, as long as Jordan's interest is the goal. He said: “Jordanians do not only look at the laws issued by this dome, but also at the behavior and speech that comes from it.”
It was clear in the King’s speech that the title of the next stage would witness a return and activation of the principle of balance between powers. After accusing the current government led by Jaafar Hassan of being a “suppressor of freedoms,” he stressed that “deliberation in public affairs is a legitimate right protected by the constitution.” This country and ours are open to every sincere and responsible opinion.”
The future of the water crisis
It was also noteworthy in the king’s speech that he said: “Water, water, water!”, to confirm that “our water security is a national priority, and we will not allow the thirst of the Jordanians to be held hostage to any circumstance, as there is no room for bargaining or appeasement in it.”
He directed the government to continue water security projects and work to develop proactive plans to protect the nation’s resources, ensuring their sustainability and the rights of future generations.
While criticizing some of the leaders and employees of public work, the Jordanian king stressed that “there is no place in our country and among us for anyone who thinks that public service is an honor that elevates him from work or serving people.” Adding that there is no immunity for anyone who abuses his position, whoever he may be. The prestige of the state and the rule of law take precedence over everything. Once again emphasizing that the law knows no name, position, or influence.
The king’s purposes and messages
It was noteworthy in the King’s speech that he talked about the secret of “Jordanian resilience,” explaining that “the secret of Jordan’s resilience and strength lies in a people that increases in cohesion, insight, and wisdom when the tensions intensify.”
With reference to the brutal attack in Karak, and emphasis on the steadfastness of Jordan and its institutions in the face of the Kharijite terrorists, who “betrayed their Jordanian family,” and their efforts to “harm the security and unity of the homeland,” the King’s message at the beginning of his speech was that “the file of combating extremism remains a priority for the Jordanian state.”
The Jordanian King reaffirmed his country's continued stance in the face of Israel's expansionist ambitions and its ongoing aggression. This threatens the future and hopes of the region. This was also confirmed by the King in his speech to the United Nations, during the last session of the United Nations General Assembly last September.
The King also stressed Jordan's firm positions towards the Palestinian issue, and the right of the Palestinian people to have their legitimate rights met, which is a message he carries internally and from international platforms. The Jordanian king has always considered a strong Jordan to be a support and support for the Palestinian brother on its land, leading to the declaration of the establishment of the Palestinian state on its national soil.
Let the King put three headings for the Israeli illusion: the illusion of legitimacy coming from tyranny, the illusion of erasing the truth with the passage of time, and the illusion of Jordan retreating from its principles. In addition to Abdullah II's series of criticisms of the far-right government headed by Benjamin Netanyahu.
Balance of constitutional powers
Among the constitutional principles in the country, and in order to uphold its status in the Jordanian political system, the King described the National Assembly as the basic and leading pillar, and he recalls the principle of “the nation is the source of authorities,” and considers it the source of its strength.
The King refers to this established jurisprudential principle, stressing the importance of the relationship between authorities on this basis. He called for adherence to this principle, as it is the source of the strength of the homeland’s internal front and its ability to defend the interests of its nation.
Among the king's messages was that the National Assembly's power is when the nation's interest is the goal, even if there is a difference of opinion. In a clear direction in supporting the National Assembly (the elected House of Representatives and the notables who are chosen according to the terms of the Constitution). The King directed that the National Assembly be “a voice for the street, a guardian of the public interest, and a watchdog over the government’s performance, with the priority being to preserve the interest of Jordanians.”
However, the king did not neglect to direct the two councils to pay attention to their behavior and speech under the dome. Adding that the performance of the representatives, their behavior, and the language they use also affect Jordan’s image internally and externally. He pointed out that the legislative and executive authorities must have the Jordanian interest at the heart of every decision, not on the sidelines. Because the legislation affects all aspects of citizens’ lives when it is applied.
The law is above everyone
The Jordanian King, King Abdullah II, sent a message stating that public service is an assignment for the sake of work and not an honor. This means that achievement and service to Jordanians are the criterion for an official to remain in his position. Emphasizing the importance of the rule of law. And everyone is under accountability. There is no protection for anyone who commits abuse, “neither name, nor influence, nor position.”
It was noteworthy that the King’s speech sent a single message related to freedoms. He encouraged citizens to participate in expressing their opinion on public affairs, emphasizing the state’s tolerance for every sincere and responsible opinion and within the etiquette of disagreement and the chivalry of the word.
