The Assad regime’s facade of stability has shattered following a significant offensive by opposition forces, shedding light on its precarious position after years of perceived control, aided by diminishing support from key allies such as Iran, Hezbollah, and Russia.
The illusion of Bashar al-Assad’s stronghold over Syria has been shattered following a recent offensive launched by opposition forces. This offensive, spearheaded by the rebranded group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, has made substantial advances into Aleppo and has raised alarms about the stability of the Assad regime, which appeared resilient for years. Although Assad, aided by allies such as Iran, Hezbollah, and Russia, has managed to maintain control despite significant adversity, recent developments suggest the precariousness of his position.
The situation escalated when Hezbollah, after suffering losses in its conflict with Israel, withdrew many of its troops from Syria. Concurrently, Russia, which had played a crucial role in supporting the Assad regime since its intervention in 2015, has shifted its focus to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Iran’s sustained military presence has also come under pressure due to persistent Israeli strikes targeting its assets in Syria. This reduction in support from key allies has exposed the regime to challenges it had previously weathered.
The Assad dynasty, which has ruled since 1971, has faced increasing internal discontent and external threats over its 53 years of power. Despite the regime’s record of survival amid crises, it is increasingly burdened by corruption, economic mismanagement, and the consequences of a devastating civil war. As conditions in Syria continue to deteriorate, with millions displaced and countless lives lost, the façade of a stable and victorious regime is cracking under the weight of reality.
The political landscape in Syria has long been dominated by the Assad dynasty, beginning with Hafez al-Assad in 1971, followed by his son Bashar al-Assad. Despite waves of dissent and the outbreak of civil war in 2011, which saw massive uprisings against autocratic rule, the regime has managed to cling to power largely due to the support of foreign allies. In recent years, the Assad regime seemingly regained stability with the help of Iran, Hezbollah, and Russia, leading to speculation that the worst of the civil war was over. However, ongoing internal tensions and shifting alliances have revealed the fragility of this perceived stability.
In summary, while the Assad regime has weathered numerous crises and challenges both domestically and internationally, the recent developments expose serious vulnerabilities. A combination of reduced support from critical allies and ongoing internal discontent raises questions about the future of Bashar al-Assad’s rule. The appearance of stability cloaks a deeper reality of unrest and uncertainty that could ultimately challenge the survival of the regime itself.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
