In a dramatic turn of events, Syrian rebels announced early Sunday that they have freed Damascus and overthrown President Bashar al-Assad's 24-year regime 🚀. The rebels declared on live television that all prisoners had been released, marking a significant shift in the nation's tumultuous history.
Since late November, Syria has witnessed escalating tensions, with rebel forces making swift advances across the country. 🌪️ The rapid progression has caught many by surprise, leading to speculations about the underlying causes.
We reached out to Li Zixin, an assistant research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies, to shed light on these developments. 🧐 In an interview with China Media Group, Li discussed the factors that paved the way for the rebels' success.
\"The Syrian government's misjudgment played a crucial role,\" Li explained. \"They underestimated the capability of the rebel groups to alter the political landscape. This overconfidence led them to reduce military investments, abolish compulsory service, and cut spending. Essentially, they let their guard down.\"
Li also highlighted that Syria's stability has long depended on support from regional allies, particularly Hezbollah and Iran. 📢 \"With the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the Russia-Ukraine war, Syria's allies are stretched thin,\" he noted. \"Russia's ability to assist Syria has been severely hampered, leaving the Syrian government to fend for itself.\"
The challenges for the Syrian government are mounting. \"They now face the daunting task of deploying vast resources and troops to defend Damascus,\" Li added. \"This makes launching an effective counterattack almost impossible. The momentum is clearly with the rebels.\"
Regarding the recent trilateral talks between Russia, Türkiye, and Iran, Li was cautiously optimistic. 🤝 \"These talks might offer a framework for future settlement, but each country has its own concerns. It's a complex situation with no easy solutions.\"
As the world watches these developments unfold, the future of Syria hangs in the balance. One thing is certain: the voices of the people are echoing louder than ever before, demanding change and a new direction for their nation. 🌍✨
Reference(s):
Expert: Government's misjudgment paved way for rebel advance in Syria
cgtn.com
