Rebels are consolidating control after their lightning offensive took Damascus.
presents "a moment of historic opportunity," President Joe Biden wrote on X on Sunday, as rebel fighters and Damascenes celebrated the end of their 14-year war against the authoritarian government.The uprising that began with a protest march in the southern city of Daraa in 2011 ended with celebratory gunfire in Damascus in 2024.
White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said over the weekend that the group's background "is a concern," noting that elements of the group are affiliated with organizations "that have American blood on their hands." "As this unfolds, there's a potential that elements in the area, such as ISIS, could try to take advantage of this opportunity and regain capability," Austin warned.
President Joe Biden speaks about the sudden collapse of the Syrian government at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 8, 2024."But as they take on greater responsibility, we will assess not just their words, but their actions," Biden added. The incoming Trump administration will need to chart a policy approach to Syria. Some will be skeptical of success, but others -- Warrick wrote -- will note that "weakening Iranian influence, supporting Israel's security, and peace in Lebanon are, collectively, one of the biggest wins that a Trump administration could hope to achieve."In a recent interview with CNN, Jolani said that Syrians should not fear HTS's brand of Islamism.
The next government will also need to address the question of Russian presence in Syria. Russian forces retain control of Khmeimim Air Base and Tartus naval base on Syria's Mediterranean coast, two key strategic facilities from which Moscow helped keep Assad in power. For Tehran, "there is no doubt that the fall of the Assad regime is a highly consequential defeat for Iran," Ozcelik said. "Syria was the conduit for Iran's systematic support for Hezbollah in Lebanon, this supply chain has now been cut off.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced Monday that President Vladimir Putin would grant his longtime ally political asylum in the country.
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