Syrian Rebels Capitalize on Diminished Support for Assad’s Regime

Syria’s rebel forces have taken advantage of weakened support for President Assad from Iran, Hezbollah, and Russia, launching a successful offensive that has resulted in capturing significant territory, including Aleppo. This unexpected shift in the power balance reveals the vulnerabilities of Assad’s regime and the deteriorating conditions of his foreign alliances, which were previously instrumental in maintaining his power during the civil war.

Recent developments in the Syrian civil conflict have enabled opposition forces to seize significant territory from President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. With the diminished backing from key allies such as Iran, Hezbollah, and Russia, rebel groups launched an unexpected offensive, capturing nearly all of Aleppo and expanding their control in the west and northwest regions of the country. This abrupt shift in power dynamics highlights the vulnerabilities within Assad’s once-strong coalition, previously reliant on extensive foreign military support.

The civil war, which erupted 13 years ago, has seen Assad’s reliance on allies such as Iran and Russia wane due to various geopolitical factors, including Israeli military actions, internal conflicts, and a prolonged engagement in Ukraine by Russia. Analysts suggest that the effectiveness of the opposition’s recent advance was unexpected even by the rebels themselves, who had meticulously prepared for an assault. They managed to exploit the apparent weaknesses of Assad’s regime and the shifting allegiances within the region.

The deterioration of Assad’s support network has created a precarious environment for his government. As Hezbollah suffers losses from ongoing conflicts with Israel and Iran grapples with domestic issues, Russian involvement has also dwindled, limiting the military assistance previously crucial to maintaining Assad’s power. The Syrian government has further alienated its populace by failing to stabilize the economy and continuing to enforce compulsory military conscription, driving even loyal soldiers to abandon their posts in the face of a well-organized rebel offensive.

The Syrian civil war began in 2011 as a response to governmental repression of peaceful protests and has transformed into a complex conflict involving multiple factions and external powers. The Syrian government initially received considerable military support from allies including Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah. This backing allowed Assad’s forces to maintain a semblance of control amid growing rebellions. However, recent crises affecting these allies have destabilized Assad’s position, leading to significant territorial losses following a strategic offensive by opposition forces who capitalized on these vulnerabilities.

The recent advances made by Syrian rebel forces reflect a significant moment in the protracted civil war, emphasizing the precarious state of President Assad’s regime. The weakening of his foreign support and the consequent opportunities created for the opposition reveal a dynamic shift that may alter the conflict’s trajectory. As rebel forces consolidate their gains, the situation underscores the complexities of loyalty and power within the region amidst a tumultuous background and ongoing geopolitical struggles.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com