Rebel forces have successfully taken control of the Syrian capital, Damascus, leading to the fleeing of authoritarian ruler Bashar al Assad after 24 years in power. Syrian Nationals, backed by Turkey, and the jihadi group Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS) played a crucial role in the offensive. HTS, formerly known as the Nusra Front, has around 30,000 troops and is considered a terrorist group by the US and Russia. Despite efforts to appear moderate and distancing from al Qaeda in 2016, HTS still restricts religious freedom and poses a threat to religious minorities.
The leader of HTS, Abu Muhammed al Jolani, has tried to reassure Syrian minorities and has allowed certain freedoms for them in areas under their control. However, their political plans remain unclear, with former US ambassador to Syria, Robert Ford, urging caution. The rapid rebel progress has shocked the international community, with experts attributing it to factors such as decreased Iranian influence and Russia’s focus on Ukraine.
The situation in Syria has drawn interest from various nations, with Russia and Iran previously backing Assad’s regime. The presence of US troops in northern Syria aims to prevent the resurgence of the Islamic State, while Turkey also has forces in the region to counter Kurdish expansion. The recent developments mark a significant shift in the Middle East’s power dynamics and pose a unique geopolitical challenge for the international community.
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