The Media Line: Syria, US, and Jordan Back Pact To Stabilize As-Suwayda, Launching Transitional Phase 

Syria, US, and Jordan Back Pact To Stabilize As-Suwayda, Launching Transitional Phase 

By Rizik Alabi / The Media Line 

[Damascus] The Syrian Foreign Ministry said Tuesday it had concluded a comprehensive agreement for the southern province of As-Suwayda, negotiated with support from the US and Jordan, to address months of security, political, and social turmoil. Officials described the deal as “constructive and practical,” calling it a first step toward a transitional phase that would lead to the province’s full integration within the Syrian state. 

Damascus said the agreement includes an understanding with Washington to seek security arrangements with Israel regarding southern Syria, addressing the “legitimate security concerns” of all sides while underscoring the unity and sovereignty of Syrian territory. The plan sits within a roadmap Syria adopted in coordination with Jordan to de-escalate the crisis in the province. 

Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani called the agreement a “clear roadmap,” noting that Jordanian and American backing was decisive in shaping it. Al-Shaibani spoke at a joint press conference in Damascus with his Jordanian counterpart, Ayman Safadi, and US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack. 

The roadmap calls for withdrawing civilian fighters from As-Suwayda’s borders and deploying disciplined forces in their place. It also proposes a national project grounded in unity, pluralism, and equality among all Syrians. 

Another plank creates a local police force drawn from the province’s communities and led by a figure from As-Suwayda, a measure aimed at building trust in state institutions. Provisions further include forming a comprehensive provincial council that reflects all components of society, to advance national reconciliation and expand public participation in local governance. 

Officials said the transitional phase will continue until As-Suwayda is fully integrated into the national framework. 

Al-Shaibani emphasized that the central goal is restoring stability in southern Syria. He said Damascus intends to hold accountable those responsible for crimes and violations, restore basic services in the province, and launch a broad national reconciliation process. The minister added that the agreement is expected to facilitate the return of displaced people and revive social and economic activity after months of unrest. 

The US envoy described the agreement as a “historic step,” stressing Washington’s commitment to accompany and implement the roadmap with Damascus and Amman. He also praised Jordan’s “major” role in supporting the process. 

By contrast, Safadi accused Israel of seeking to divide Syria, while also acknowledging that the agreement meets some of Israel’s security needs. 

This development follows bloody clashes in As-Suwayda in mid-July between Druze fighters and Bedouin tribes, a week of fighting that left hundreds dead and displaced nearly 200,000 people, according to United Nations estimates. Although a cease-fire was reached July 19, conditions remained fragile, with limited returns of the displaced and persistent fears of renewed violence. 

The As-Suwayda agreement marks a pivotal turn in Syria’s southern crisis by blending security arrangements, political measures, and social steps intended to reinforce national unity. Hopes now rest on careful implementation and on all parties honoring their commitments if the province is to move toward durable stability.