Jordan has maintained a disciplined policy toward the Syrian crisis by following a strategy of restraint on its northern border, but recent statements from officials in Amman hinting at warmer relations with the Assad regime have raised concerns in the opposition-held Syrian south.
Government spokesman Mohamad al-Momani told Jordanian television on Friday that relations between Jordan and the Syrian state are moving toward a positive course.
This follows recent indications that efforts are underway to prevent the approach of sectarian militias and the Syrian regime on the Syrian-Jordanian border.
In the event of stability in the south and the enforcement of the cease-fire agreement, the Jordanian official's statement signals the possible reopening of the Nasib border crossing between the two countries.
According to activists in Syria’s southern Daraa province, following the announcement of the cease-fire agreement in Syria's south, Jordan began work to reset relations with the regime after they took a negative turn in late April.
The regime and its allies know the importance of Amman’s role in the south because of its relationship with the armed opposition factions and Jordan's desire to maintain its adopted political moderation toward the Syrian issue.
In addition, the American-Jordinan-Russian de-escalation agreement proves the desire of the international and regional powers to reach a solution in partnership between the regime and the opposition, and the possibility of applying it nationally if it succeeds.
A rebel source, who declined to be named, said the military factions in Daraa were able to stop the regime’s plan to reach the Jordanian border, open the crossings and impose its control over the region.
He pointed out that Amman has carried a heavy burden over the past years in terms of military, security and economy as a result of military operations in the southern region, which resulted in tens of thousands of refugees fleeing toward Jordan.
This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
