Syrian President Ahmed Al-Shara rejected the notion of a ‘river of fire’ separating Syria and Lebanon, emphasizing his refusal of any interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs. In media statements, Al-Shara denied affiliation with the Muslim Brotherhood, affirming that he was the ‘biggest victim of ISIS,’ while noting that all nationalist and Islamic ideologies in the region have failed. Regarding relations with Israel, he stated they can only proceed through the restoration of the Golan Heights and adherence to the 1974 agreement. He stressed that any calls for separation in Syria ‘will remain mere dreams,’ affirming that all solutions with the Kurds and the people of Sweida are open for discussion except the issue of separation. Al-Shara concluded by praising Iraq’s political and economic stance.