Israel faces emerging regional alignment as Syria turns to Pakistan after strikes – analysis

Following Israeli airstrikes in northern Syria on August 17-18, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani made a historic visit to Pakistan on August 20, the first in 17 years. This visit, which Syrian state media SANA described as discussing "bilateral relations and ways to strengthen cooperation in various fields," signals Syria's intent to pursue high-level diplomacy despite the strikes. Concurrently, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa met with the Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, in Damascus, indicating strengthening Syria-Turkey ties. These developments occur as a new alliance between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey emerges, with potential for Egypt to join, aiming to foster regional stability and potentially contain perceived Israeli aggression. Israel views Syria as its sphere of influence and has stated it will continue its strike policies.