By Malak Hasan
RAMALLAH, March 9, 2017 (WAFA) – The crisis in Syria has negatively affected the Palestinian cause, making it lose its position on world’s agenda, according to prominent experts in the field.
Former US Ambassador to Syria, Robert Ford, recently appointed Palestinian Ambassador to the US, Husam Zomlot, and researcher in US affairs Rowid Amsha discussed the Syrian crisis and its impact on the Palestinian cause in a seminar organized on Wednesday by Shahid Center for Citizens Rights and Social Development.
Ford said the US is now focused on defeating the Islamic State, Daesh, and avoiding the political crisis in the region.
He added that he has no good news for Palestinians concerning the new US administration, citing US President Donald Trump and his team’s modest experience in foreign affairs.
Ford explained that Trump’s priorities for now are the economy, immigration and terrorism.
Meanwhile, Zomlot said the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) position regarding the crisis in Syria has been clear since the beginning: to remain neutral.
He said despite attempts to drag the Palestinians into the crisis, the leadership has miraculously managed to remain neutral.
Zomlot reiterated the Palestinian Authority’s support for the Syrian people and their aspirations saying the PA will always oppose terrorism.
Political analyst Kayid Miari told WAFA the state of instability in the region is negatively impacting the Palestinian cause because it is empowering the Israeli occupation to utilize the cleft.
The speakers agreed that in order to bring back the Palestinian cause as the top priority, Palestinians must focus on the popular and diplomatic resistance on the ground and in international forums.
The meeting was organized as part of the 100 global thinkers in Palestine initiative, which aims to explore new and different opinions regarding the Palestinian cause and regional affairs.
M.H./M.K.
