Syria’s al-Assad and supporting Hamas, for political gain or optics?

Syria's al-Assad and supporting Hamas, for political gain or optics? The relationship between Syria's President Bashar al-Assad and Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, is a complex and multifaceted one. While some argue that al-Assad supports Hamas purely for political gain or optics, others believe there are deeper ideological and strategic motivations at play. Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, is considered a terrorist organization by many countries, including the United States and the European Union. It is known for its militant tactics, including rocket attacks and suicide bombings, in its fight against Israel. Despite this designation, al-Assad has been a vocal supporter of Hamas, providing financial aid, weapons, and safe haven to its leaders. One possible explanation for al-Assad's support of Hamas is political gain. By aligning himself with a popular cause, particularly in the Arab world, al-Assad is able to solidify his position as a leader who stands against Israeli aggression. This stance resonates with many Syrians and other Arabs who view Israel as an occupying force and sympathize with the Palestinian cause. By supporting Hamas, al-Assad is able to tap into this sentiment and garner support for his regime. Additionally, supporting Hamas allows al-Assad to maintain leverage and influence in the region. Hamas is a major player in Palestinian politics and has the ability to disrupt peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. By supporting Hamas, al-Assad can exert pressure on Israel and other regional players, positioning himself as a key player in the Middle East. This power and influence can be used to advance Syria's own geopolitical interests, such as securing its borders, countering regional rivals like Saudi Arabia, and maintaining its alliance with Iran. Another possible explanation for al-Assad's support of Hamas is optics. By championing the Palestinian cause and supporting Hamas, al-Assad is able to present himself as a defender of Arab and Muslim interests, both at home and abroad. This serves to bolster his legitimacy and deflect attention away from his own repressive regime and human rights abuses. By portraying himself as a champion of the Palestinian cause, al-Assad is able to rally support from Arab and Muslim populations who are sympathetic to the plight of the Palestinians. However, it is important to note that al-Assad's support for Hamas is not without its drawbacks and risks. Hamas's militant tactics have drawn international condemnation and have often been counterproductive to the Palestinian cause. By aligning himself with Hamas, al-Assad potentially risks further alienating the international community and jeopardizing any chances of achieving a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Additionally, supporting Hamas comes with the risk of blowback. Hamas's activities, particularly its attacks on Israel, have drawn retaliation and airstrikes from the Israeli military. This puts Syria, and by extension al-Assad's regime, in a precarious position. Any escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas could have serious implications for the stability and security of the region, potentially drawing Syria into a broader conflict. In recent years, as the Syrian civil war has intensified, al-Assad's support for Hamas has taken a backseat to his own survival. The conflict in Syria has diverted attention and resources away from supporting Hamas, as al-Assad has focused on maintaining his grip on power and countering rebel forces. However, as the conflict begins to wind down and al-Assad consolidates his position, it is likely that his support for Hamas will once again become a priority. In conclusion, the relationship between Syria's al-Assad and Hamas is a complex one, driven by a combination of political gain, regional influence, and optics. While supporting Hamas allows al-Assad to tap into popular sentiment and bolster his legitimacy as a leader, it also comes with risks and drawbacks. As the Syrian conflict continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how al-Assad's support for Hamas will shape regional dynamics and the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.