Syria’s neighbors fear chaos at their doorstep

The principal focus of media attention has been the second suicide attack that hit Damascus. Only a few of the most representative pieces are featured in this press review. Whereas newspaper reactions to the first attack two weeks ago were skeptical of the Syrian government’s version accusing al-Qaeda, and complacent vis-à-vis the pro-Western opposition which accused the government, this time they have adopted an equidistant stance and lean towards neither side. Even though most of the media persist in condemning Assad, fewer are calling for his downfall for fear of a chaotic outcome in Iraq and a mass exodus of Christians.

On the ground, armed groups have stopped trying to pave the way for a NATO intervention to overthrow the regime, but are gearing up instead to deliver a low intensity war to weaken the country.

Regional actors are reshuffling their cards. The Erdogan government has to face the wrath of its people, who suffer the economic consequences of a closed Syrian border. After exploiting the debate on the Armenian genocide to break up the military alliance with France, Turkey began a perceptible shift by seeking to restore good relations with Tehran. Israel is fidgety about Washington’s support for Islamists in too many countries at once. For its part, the Arab League is bewildered by the findings of its observers who challenge the account of the Western media and the role of Qatar. The latter responded by accusing Syria of not meeting its commitments and trying to transfer the burden to the United Nations. But Mr. Ban’s trip to the region has already started to spawn a lot of hostility.