The Syrian Position on the Palestinian Issue1982-1988

Abstract

    The Palestinian issue preoccupied the Syrian leadership significantly, particularly after the developments that occurred following the outbreak of the Lebanese civil war. Syrian-Palestinian relations oscillated between rapprochement, disagreement, and estrangement during the period from 1982 to 1988, the year that witnessed the disengagement between Jordan and the West Bank. Following the Israeli intervention in southern Lebanon, Syrian fears of the expansion of this invasion, which targeted the Palestinian presence, arose. This led to disagreements between the two sides, which culminated in a clash. Relations then returned to normal between 1985 and 1988.