Protests in Syria’s Suweida will have little impact

Significance The majority Druze province stayed under Assad's control throughout the civil war but has seen sustained protests since September 2023. Assad deployed troops in April but fears of a violent crackdown have not been realised. Impacts Moscow would deter Assad from resorting to violence in quelling protesters. US sanctions will prohibit Gulf investments in Syria. Limited Syrian actions to stop drug trafficking into Jordan will limit the scope of Arab engagement with the government.