An update on Syria’s new power vacuum
Image: Al Jazeera/Syria Liveuamap
The decades-long regime led by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was toppled early last week, ushering in a period of transition – and major uncertainty – in the country following nearly 14 straight years of civil war.
Some quick background: Syria's ongoing civil war began in 2011 with protests against Assad's regime, which quickly escalated into a complex conflict involving multiple factions, including opposition groups, Islamist militias, Kurdish forces, and foreign powers like Russia, Iran, Israel, and the US (each with differing reasons for involvement).
- A coalition of opposition groups headed by the Islamist faction Hayat Tahrir al-Sham began a surprise offensive on November 27, quickly capturing three major cities before taking the capital of Damascus and overthrowing Assad’s government.
The latest info: Yesterday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Israeli forces will continue to occupy the Golan Heights buffer zone in western Syria, in an attempt to disrupt Iran’s ability to smuggle weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Some other major events from Syria over the past week:
- Ahmed al-Sharaa, the leader of Syria’s rebel coalition, vowed yesterday to dissolve all armed groups in the country, in an attempt to rebuild a functioning state.
- Former President Assad issued his first official statement since the fall of his regime on Monday, in which he blamed "terrorism" for his regime's collapse.
- A mass grave was discovered north of Damascus with the remains of 100,000+ people presumed killed by Assad’s regime, one of five such mass graves identified over the course of the civil war.
Looking ahead…Several countries have reached out to rebel leaders in Syria to support the establishment of a new government. Turkey and Qatar have reopened embassies in Damascus, while the US has made direct contact with Syrian rebel leaders and is pushing for an "inclusive and non-sectarian" government, per Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Meanwhile, UN officials warn the conflict “has not ended yet,” as fighting continues in the northeast and Israel keeps up its airstrikes and military occupation in the southwest.
đź“Š Flash poll: In general terms, how involved do you think the US government should be when it comes to the current Syria situation?
See a 360° view of what pundits are saying →
Sprinkles from the Left
- Some analysts argue that the United States should join other nations in embracing the new rebel leadership in Syria by lifting sanctions and providing aid, as opposed to dismissing the group as just a terrorist organization.
- Others contend that all Syrians face the Herculean task of rebuilding and that neighbors and allies must play their part in ensuring that they play their part.
- “Washington stands to miss a historic opportunity in Syria.” –Josh Rogin Washington Post
- “The fall of Syria's executioner, finally.” –Le Monde Editorial Board
- “The Observer view on Syria: we must reach out a hand of friendship to Damascus.” –The Observer Editorial Board
Sprinkles from the Right
- Some commentators argue that Assad’s fall from power in Syria is a prime opportunity for the US to enact vigorous support for the Kurds of Syria and Iraq, who serve as the tip of the spear in our common fight against ISIS.
- Others contend that the fall of Assad should signal the end of all US military operations in Syria and the Middle East, as our presence has only made the stability of the region worse and worse.
- “Assad’s Fall Is a Chance to Back the Kurds” –Thomas S. Kaplan and Bernard-Henri Lévy, WSJ
- “Ron Paul: What Are We Doing In Syria? – OpEd.” –Ron Paul, Eurasia Review
- “Syria’s new leader remains an al Qaeda operative.” –Washington Times Editorial Board
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