The collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria has sent shockwaves throughout the region and beyond, marking a dramatic turning point after nearly 14 years of civil war. Russia and Iran, who had long sustained Assad’s rule, are now scrambling to manage the fallout.
Russia’s involvement in Syria was never just about Assad, but securing a foothold in the Middle East was a cornerstone of Moscow’s strategy. However, with Assad gone, Russia’s assets in Syria are at risk. Experts warn that this marks a strategic defeat for Russia, costing them critical bases in the Middle East and further stretching their military resources as they continue fighting in Ukraine.
Iran is also reeling from Assad’s fall, which deals a devastating blow to its long-term regional strategy. The Iranian “Axis of Resistance” has been shattered, leaving Tehran without a crucial link to Hezbollah in Lebanon and undermining its ability to smuggle weapons across the region.
The collapse of Assad’s regime highlights Syria’s role as a battleground in the US-Russia proxy war. President Trump reportedly called Putin to de-escalate tensions, but instead, Putin doubled down by escalating his nuclear doctrine. This loss shifts the balance of power dramatically, potentially giving Trump newfound leverage over Putin and creating opportunities for negotiating the end of the war in Ukraine from a stronger position.
While Assad’s fall creates opportunities for a new order in the Middle East, it also presents significant risks. The surprise attack on Assad’s forces by the Salafi-jihadist organization Hayat Tahrir al-Sham underscores the complexity of the situation.
The US has an opportunity to leverage its position and build a coalition of moderate Arab states with Israel to counter both Sunni and Shia Islamist forces. This could provide a stabilizing force in the region and counter the growing influence of extremist groups, presenting a unique chance for America to strengthen its position in the Middle East amid the collapse of the Iranian axis.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/world/fall-of-syrias-bashar-assad-strategic-blow-to-iran-russia-experts-say