What Are the Latest Developments in Syria?
On December 8, 2024, Bashar al-Assad, president of Syria, was toppled in a rebellion spearheaded by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). This change in power has introduced a new era of uncertainty and complexity with HTS emerging as the dominant force. The sudden collapse of the Assad regime, which ruled Syria for decades, is a turning point in the long-standing civil conflict that has plagued the country since 2011. In his first public statement since fleeing Syria, Bashar al-Assad defended his rule and denied planning his departure as armed opposition fighters closed in on Damascus. Assad stated that his departure was neither planned nor occurred during the final hours of the battle, as some have claimed. He remained in Damascus, carrying out his duties until the early hours of December 8, 2024. As rebel fighters, whom Assad described as “terrorist forces,” entered the capital, he moved to a Russian base in Latakia to oversee combat operations. However, the base came under drone attacks from armed opposition fighters, leading to his evacuation to Russia.
How Will This Impact Trump’s Presidency and U.S. Foreign Policy?
Trump’s “America First” agenda, characterized by negotiating trade agreements and reducing America’s commitment to global engagements, will be tested as his administration decides how to engage with the new power dynamics in Syria. The situation will also impact Trump’s foreign policy priorities, including his stance on Iran and his relationship with Israel. U.S. foreign policy in Syria has long since struggled to balance competing priorities. Under President Barack Obama, the focus on negotiating the Iran nuclear deal took priority over the Syrian conflict, creating opportunities for Iran and Russia to expand their influence in Syria. The current situation will force Trump’s administration to work closely with allies in the region like Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, to ensure stability. Additionally, the administration will need to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria and support efforts to rebuild the country’s infrastructure and economy.
What is Israel’s Position on the Post-Assad Situation in Syria?
Israel has consistently viewed the Assad regime as a threat due to its alliance with Iran and Hezbollah. With Assad’s fall, Israel sees an opportunity to weaken Iran’s influence while remaining cautious about the rise of the new rebel groups. Israel has approved plans to increase the number of settlers in the Golan Heights, a territory seized from Syria in 1967. This move has been criticized by both Saudi Arabia and Qatar, who view it as an attempt to sabotage Syria’s opportunities for security and stability.
What Are the Recent Strikes in Syria?
Following the fall of Assad’s regime, Israel has intensified its military operations in Syria. Israeli airstrikes have targeted military sites, including missile warehouses and army bases along Syria’s coast. Benjamin Netanyahu approved a plan to double the Israeli population in the occupied Golan Heights after a barrage of strikes that came despite HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani asserting that he was not interested in a conflict with Israel. Jolani claims that Israel was using false pretexts and reasoning to justify attacks on Syria, but that his organization was not interested in engaging with new conflicts. Instead, they are focused on rebuilding Syria.
After the most recent strikes, many have called for Israel to withdraw and stop their attacks. The UN has called for Israel to withdraw from the “buffer zone” between Syria and the Israeli-occupied area. France, Germany, and Spain have also called for Israel to withdraw from this zone. Despite calls for Israel halting their most recent actions, Netanyahu has remained firm on his stance to continue.
Additional Reading:
Syria’s Assad Defends Fleeing to Russia as His Regime Collapsed
Syria’s Assad blames ‘terrorism’ for regime collapse in first statement since defeat