Intelligence Report: Iran, Syria Increase Military Cooperation

At a time when rumors abound about a warming of American-Syrian relations, a report titled “Annual Threat Assessment of the Intelligence Community for the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence” has asserted that Iran and Syria have increased military cooperation.

“Syrian military cooperation with Iran, including trilateral cooperation with Hezbollah, has increased during the past year,” the report said. “Syria views its links to Iran as a means to press and deter adversaries, particularly Israel, and create leverage for achieving its major goals of a lead[ing] role in the Arab world, maintaining influence in Lebanon, and regaining the Golan Heights.”

Iran accelerated weapons deliveries to Syria in 2008, including shipments to Hezbollah in Lebanon.

“Syrian military support to Hezbollah has increased substantially over the past five years, especially since the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war,” the report said. “Damascus also supports Palestinian rejectionist groups, such as Hamas, which base their external leadership in Syria.”

Iran has also helped enhance the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who succeeded his late father in 2000. The report said Mr. al-Assad, despite widespread dissatisfaction within Syria over the failing economy, has stabilized his regime while replacing veteran military commanders with those loyal to the president.

“For Syria’s part, Iran has proven over the last quarter century to be Syria’s most reliable ally,” the report said. “Shared interests over the past few years – support for Lebanese Hezbollah, sustaining Palestinian terrorists, and countering U.S. regional intentions – have drawn Iran and Syria toward a closer alliance.”

The report said Syria would remain involved with the al-Qaida network in neighboring Iraq. The intelligence community assessed that Mr. al-Assad would support Iraqis against any pro-U.S. government in Baghdad.

“As the United States withdraws, we assess Damascus will seek improved political and economic ties to Baghdad and is likely to support oppositionists opposed to a long-term U.S. presence in Iraq,” the report said. “Syria will remain the primary gateway for foreign fighters entering Iraq.”

David Bedein can be reached at dbedein@israelbehindthenews.com