Reigniting Syria's civil war
Today, Explained
Deep Dive
Why did the rebel group seize Aleppo last weekend?
The seizure was partly a consequence of the Israeli war on Gaza and Lebanon, which weakened Iranian-backed militias. Additionally, the Syrian government has been impoverished, leading to low soldier morale and poor motivation to fight.
What was the immediate impact of the rebel group's success in Aleppo?
The success was a major defeat for Bashar al-Assad, changing the country's political landscape and undermining the belief that he had won the war. It also led to the release of political prisoners and the potential return of displaced people to their homes.
Who is the leader of the rebel group HTS, and what are his ambitions?
The leader is Abu Muhammad al-Julani, a former Al-Qaeda affiliate who now seeks to rebrand HTS as a more moderate Islamist organization. His ambition is to rule the whole of Syria, which would require him to compromise with various religious and ethnic groups.
Why is the U.S. hesitant to fully support the removal of Bashar al-Assad?
The U.S. seeks stability in the region, protection for Israel, and a weakened Iran. While it officially wants Assad out, it may prefer him over an uncertain alternative like HTS, as Assad can be a controllable entity for regional stability.
What are the potential positive outcomes from the recent developments in Syria?
Positive outcomes include the release of political prisoners, the potential return of displaced people to their homes, and a renewed focus on Syria, which could lead to better international engagement and support.
- Rebel group seizes Aleppo, a major turning point in the Syrian civil war.
- The Syrian government's defense unexpectedly collapsed.
- The takeover was swift and resulted in minimal fighting.
- The event is a major defeat for Bashar al-Assad, significantly altering the country's political landscape.
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