The Fall of Assad’s Syria: Marks End of an Era for the Region
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RDA Gulf Correspondent - . December 9, 2024
- . Update: December 10, 2024 1:25 am
Islamist rebels in Syria declared President Bashar al-Assad’s downfall on Sunday following more than 13 years of civil war, forcing him to flee out of the country and ending his family’s decades long rule. It marked a historic turning point for the Middle East. The important allies Russia and Iran which supported the President during important moments in the fight have suffered a serious setback with the downfall of Bashar al-Assad.
When the Assad family’s five decades of power in Syria come to an end, international forces will likely step forward to fill the power void left by the abrupt regime change. It seems unlikely for the other nations to back up a radical Islamist government to overthrow Assad even though they would work with Israel to limit Iran’s influence in Syria.
The world was shocked by how quickly the rebels led by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rivalry captured Aleppo which is the second largest city in Syria and eventually the entire nation. Nobody in Syria or the capitals that backed or opposed Assad was expecting Damascus to collapse this fast.
Assad’s Fall and Weakened Allies:
Iran and its “Axis of Resistance” supporters were drawn into a conflict that has revealed their weakness after the October 7th 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. This contrasts with previous years when Hezbollah was important in supporting the Syrian military. Hezbollah is currently unable to support Assad politically or militarily.
Israel started out targeting Hezbollah’s financial and military routes from Iran via Syria. However, the principal route for the flow of Iranian weaponry that aid Hezbollah would be cut off if Assad’s Syrian regime were to fall.
Given that Russia’s largest Middle Eastern naval base is located at Tartus on Syria’s Mediterranean coast which is engaged in a resource-sapping conflict with Ukraine must make important decisions.
After Israel damaged Hezbollah and reduced Iran’s influence in the area, rebels were reportedly marched forward on Aleppo last week. Assad’s administration has lost its hold as a result of the Lebanese war and the decline of Hezbollah forces. Iran backed forces also have fewer supplies and Russia is helping Assad’s army with less air cover because of its Ukraine issues.
