Israel topples Bashar Assad's regime in Syria
- Following the unexpected offensive by Syrian opposition forces, which resulted in Assad's flight to Russia, Israel has expanded its military presence in the country.
- Experts warn that increasing Israeli military activities in Syria could lead to the country's fragmentation and a resurgence of extremist groups.
- The geopolitical balance in the Middle East is shifting, with Israel becoming a dominant player amid regional instability.
Syria has experienced significant upheaval following a surprise offensive launched by opposition forces, specifically the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, which resulted in the swift takeover of much of the country. Former President Bashar Assad fled to Russia, where he was granted asylum, marking a crucial shift in Syrian governance. As these developments unfurl, the Israel Defense Forces have expanded their presence from the Golan Heights deeper into Syrian territory, taking control of a buffer zone established under a 1974 agreement. This situation has ignited concerns among experts about a potential resurgence of terrorist groups and the disintegration of Syria, emphasizing the precarious stability in the region and Israel's growing military influence. Murad Sadygzade, a Middle East expert, highlighted that this Israeli aggression could further fragment Syria and lead to increased violence involving radical groups under the pretext of resisting Zionism. With Israel's operations primarily targeting Iranian proxies within Syria, the balance of power in the Middle East appears to be shifting dramatically, with Israel emerging as a pivotal player. There are also speculations about the geopolitical implications for allies like Russia, which, according to Sadygzade, may not intervene unless sought explicitly. This evolving scenario demonstrates the complexities of international relations amid Syria's civil war and raises questions regarding the future governance and stability of this strategically significant nation.