In a surprising turn of events, the Syrian government fell over the weekend, marking a significant shift in the balance of power in the Middle East. For years, Iran has been at the center of the region’s strategic map as the dominant force in a “Shia crescent,” with Syria serving as a conduit for Iranian arms and a base for Russia’s presence in the area. American intelligence officials were taken aback by the speed of Assad’s downfall, with many believing he had a chance of retaining power until just days before his ouster.
This development has raised two pressing questions in Washington as President-elect Donald J. Trump prepares to begin his second term. Firstly, will the Syrian rebels be able to expel Iranian and Russian forces from the country, as some have threatened? And secondly, will there be a pragmatic approach taken to accommodate the powers that have been involved in the long civil war, despite the bloodshed that has occurred?
The fall of the Assad regime marks a significant shift in the region’s power dynamics, with implications for the future of Syria and its relationships with key international players. As the situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how the new reality will shape the Middle East in the coming months and years.
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