Strategic Assessment

Despite its policy of non-intervention in the Syrian civil war, Israel, in contradictory and competing conspiracy theories rampant in Syrian political discourse, is presented as commanding a central role in the outbreak of the crisis, the course of its events, and its prolonged duration. This essay presents the popular conspiracy theories about Israel concocted by both the Assad regime and the opposition forces, analyzes their various political functions, and examines their ramifications. The damage they do is twofold: on the one hand, they twist the Syrians’ perception of reality and impair their practical ability to cope with the crisis in their country; on the other hand, they make it difficult for Israel to take advantage of opportunities to strengthen ties with Syrian actors with whom Israel has common interests. The authors – a Syrian and an Israeli – propose some steps to help Syrians and Israelis challenge the conspiracy-based mindset and replace it with a new balanced and constructive perception of reality based on knowledge, dialogue, and encounter.