Syria’s Rebels Gain Momentum Amid Weakened Allies of Assad

Recent shifts in the Syrian civil war have granted opposition forces the upper hand due to weakened support for President Bashar al-Assad from allies like Iran, Hezbollah, and Russia. As a result, rebels have successfully advanced, notably capturing Aleppo, amid a backdrop of strategic distractions affecting Assad’s coalition. This development marks a significant shift in the long-standing conflict, reshaping the battlefield landscape.

Syria’s opposition forces have capitalized on the vulnerability of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime as support from key allies—namely Iran, Hezbollah, and Russia—has significantly diminished. For years, Assad relied on military and strategic backing from these parties to suppress rebel movements, backed by significant military engagements. However, recent geopolitical shifts, including increased Israeli military operations against Iranian targets and Russia’s preoccupation with the conflict in Ukraine, have left Assad’s coalition fragmented, facilitating a successful rebel offensive that has led to significant territorial gains, particularly in Aleppo and surrounding areas.

Analysts believe that the rebellion’s timing corresponds with weakened defenses and a lack of coordinated responses from Assad’s supporters. Previous military assistance, particularly from Russia, has not been replicated in recent confrontations, leading to unexpected breakthroughs for the fighters opposed to Assad. The accelerated pace of these developments underscores a precarious balance of power, as the Syrian government appears increasingly isolated amid ongoing regional conflicts.

The Syrian civil war, which has persisted for over 13 years, began as a reaction to state repression of peaceful protests. What commenced as a struggle for democracy escalated into a multifaceted conflict involving various domestic and foreign actors, including Iran, Russia, and Hezbollah supporting Assad’s regime. Over the years, the conflict has resulted in vast territorial losses for the Syrian government, prompting reliance on foreign military support. However, recent events, particularly those affecting Assad’s allies, have altered the strategic landscape, affording the rebels an opportunity to advance courageously. The convergence of internal strife, shifts in foreign support, and military strategies employed by both sides have created a dynamic battlefield, ripe for examination in light of the current situation. Notably, transformations in Turkey’s position towards the rebels reflect broader geopolitical considerations impacting the conflict’s trajectory.

In conclusion, the Syrian conflict has witnessed a significant turning point as opposition forces have managed to exploit the vulnerabilities arising from reduced support for Assad’s regime. The combination of internal dissent, allied distractions, and strategic miscalculations by Assad’s government has enabled rebel forces to reclaim territories previously lost. This ongoing unrest suggests that the balance of power in Syria remains fluid, and the situation continues to evolve as external influences and internal dynamics interplay throughout the region.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com