[know.your.why]

The fall of the Assad regime is an end of an era in the Middle East, and it will have big news implications across the region.

Let’s start with the regime’s allies.

Iran will no longer have an extension of its sphere of influence into the Levant. It will not have land access to its important ally in Lebanon, Hezbollah.

The Assad regime which had presented itself as part of the axis of resistance, will also not be able to extend any support, even rhetorical, to Palestinian factions that allied themselves with that regime.

The implications in terms of security are also huge.

The fact that Damascus is now free of the Assad regime, without bloodshed, is very important, because it may signal that there is a path forward without bloodshed, without the country plunging into civil war.

[CatOwner]

Thank you for the explanation. That helps a great deal.

[norcal joe]

The fact that Damascus is now free of the Assad regime, without bloodshed, is very important, because it may signal that there is a path forward without bloodshed, without the country plunging into civil war.

Except that the "rebels" who have taken over most of the country are extreme-radical Islamists, and supposedly worse than ISIS. So who knows what this may bring.

[Beowulf9]

Haventhey already been killing people? The plane Assad was on for instance, just probably blown up.

[Entropy Squared]

Thank you. I needed that explanation too.

[dfwgator]

So this means the refugees can return home from Europe....right?

[lee martell]

This helps me out, reading your perspective on the events.

[TheBattman]

Therein lies the confusion. Assad was somewhat secular - yet Iran has been a staunch ally. Iran usually supports extreme Islamists, which is what the rebels are... so its awfully confusing.

[GOPJ]

The fact that Damascus is now free of the Assad regime, without bloodshed, is very important, because it may signal that there is a path forward without bloodshed, without the country plunging into civil war.

So Damascus wasn't as loyal to Assad as people thought? Or they have dogs in many fights?

[GOPJ]

In any event, Syria is a mess, but is not our friend, & THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT. LET IT PLAY OUT. DO NOT GET INVOLVED! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 7, 2024