Bangladesh, Nov. 14 -- The question of whether Syria should support Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and other Gulf states amid escalating regional tensions is about far more than diplomatic alignment. It concerns the future balance of power in the Middle East, the sovereignty of regional nations, and Syrias own security interests. Given Irans longstanding interventionist policies and its extensive network of armed proxies, Syrian solidarity with the Gulf would be both understandable and strategically significant.

For decades, Iran has relied on foreign armed groups to advance its regional ambitions. Lebanese Hezbollah, Iraqi militias, Afghan and Pakistani fighters, and Yemens Houthi movement have all played roles in Tehrans broader strategy. Throu...