Buffer zone across Syria border answer to refugee burden, security threats, but, for now, remains wishful thinking — analysts

AMMAN — Creating a buffer zone along the Syrian-Jordanian border would help limit the influx of Syrian refugees into the country, where they represent some 20 per cent of population, and put an end to any possible threat from terrorist groups, experts said Wednesday.

A buffer zone, which requires a mandate from the UN Security Council, would be useful to Syrians and neighbouring countries as it will provide safe haven for Syrians fleeing the violence within their country, they said Wednesday.

Their comments came days after commander of the Border Guard Brig. Gen. Saber Mahayrah said creating what he called a “secure zone” would help Jordan.

In recent press remarks, the commander said such a zone would help Syria’s neighbouring countries and reduce the increasing burden. He added that Jordan is keen on creating this strip.  

"Having a buffer zone at this stage in Syria is very crucial and would help reduce pressure on neighbouring countries that host Syrian refugees… It will also help the Syrians themselves," Fayez Dweiri, a retired major general in the Jordan army and a military analyst, told The Jordan Times.

If a buffer zone is created, it will be under the protection of the UN, which will make it easier to build infrastructure and provide services, a matter that will help encourage many refugees to return to this zone in Syria.

“This way Syrian refugees will still be at home… and Jordan and the other host countries will be partly relieved from mounting pressure on all services and in different sectors,” he said.

He expected that about 50-60 per cent of the Syrian refugees might go to the zone if created.

The security impact also makes the move worthy.

“At present, some of those who enter Jordan as refugees might be the nucleus for dormant cells in Jordan and might have connections with Iran, Hizbollah, the Syrian regime or any other player… This zone will put an end to this issue,” said Dweiri.

Political analyst Fahed Kheitan said creating a buffer zone will help protect Jordanian interests and will play a key role in providing a safe location for all Syrians in neighbouring countries and those fleeing their homes to safer places inside Syria.

“Creating such a zone will also help organise any future process of enabling Syrians to return to their country,” he added over the phone Wednesday.

With intensified fighting between several militant groups and with Syrian regime forces along the 370km Syrian border with Jordan, having such a zone will create a long and deep geographic isolation barrier between Jordan and all terrorist groups, he said.

“This will eventually reduce pressure on security forces and the army, and reduce any possible threats to Jordan,” said Kheitan.

The analysts, however, noted that Jordan cannot create a buffer zone on its own with its current capabilities and in light of the current regional conditions, adding that creating such a zone will not be an easy task.

“The US seems to have reservations over creating such a zone and does not have an interest at this stage…Even if the US approves such a plan, there is a need for approval from Russia which supports the Syrian regime,” said Dweiri.

In a column in Al Rai recently, Fayez Al Fayez highlighted the importance of creating such a zone for Jordan.

It will prevent the infiltration of terrorists and militants and will enhance Jordan’s control and grip over the border with Syria, said Fayez.

He noted that Turkey has announced a plan to create such a zone to limit the influx of refugees and put an end to any possible threat by terrorist groups.