Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
These moves come in the context of rapid changes on the ground, from the withdrawal of government forces to the advance of factions The opposition In the north and south, the redraw of the military and political map of the country.
“NineOn Sky News Arabia, I discussed these developments with military and strategic expert Mahmoud Abdel Salam and the head of the European Center for Counter-Terrorism and Intelligence Studies, Jassem Mohamed, to provide an in-depth reading of the Syrian scene.
Calls for defection
Syrian opposition leader Hassan Abdul Ghani has issued a stark call for senior Syrian army officers to defect, saying the fall of the city of Homs is imminent after hundreds of soldiers joined the ranks of the opposition.
In other field events, it was announced Syrian Democratic Forces His control over Albucamal Pass Strategically, while government forces and pro-Iranian militias retreated from Deir ez-Zor towards the central regions.
As I witnessed Suwaida Violent clashes between local factions and Syrian security forces, causing Jordan to close the Jaber border crossing for security reasons.
Mahmoud Abdel Salam described the city of Homs as the “mother of battles”, emphasizing its geographical and strategic importance, as it is the main transport hub connecting the south to the north and the west to the east.
He said: “Homs will not fall easily, because it represents a fundamental point of support for the Syrian state.” Government forces will do everything in their power to preserve it, despite recent retreats.
He also pointed out that the victories achieved by the opposition in some areas may be the result of security breaches or external support from regional and international parties.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced his country’s support for the opposition factions, expressing hope that their advance towards Damascus will continue. On the other hand, there have been reports that Iran is increasing its military support to the Syrian army by sending advisers and advanced equipment.
Yassim Mohammad commented: “Turkey and Iran are currently the main players in Syria, and each has its own goals, Turkey seeks to support the opposition to expand its influence, while Iran tries to strengthen its position in the face of international and regional pressures.” .”
The emergence of Al-Julani… a new political message
The leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, Abu Muhammad al-Julani, has emerged in a new guise, declaring his desire to form an institutional government in Syria.
Jassim Muhammad believed that this performance was aimed at re-introducing Al-Julani as a political leader capable of running the country, not just the leader of an armed faction.
He added: “Al-Julani is investing in the current circumstances to present himself as a legitimate alternative, with the support of some regional and international parties.”
Mahmoud Abdel Salam, for his part, stressed that division is the biggest danger Syria is facing today, noting that it seems that the American project of dividing the Middle East is on its way to being implemented.
He said: “What is happening in Syria is an extension of the plan for the New Middle East, which aims to divide the region into mini-states. The situation in the north-east and the south confirms that there are serious attempts to implement this project, which requires regional and international action to stop it”.
Jassim Muhammad believed that the US could use opposition factions as a temporary means of undermining Iranian influence and putting pressure on Damascus. But he ruled out these factions getting a permanent role in Syria’s future.
He pointed out that “these moves can lead to a state of ongoing chaos if the right steps are not taken towards a comprehensive political solution”.
With escalating tensions on the ground and political maneuvering, Syria appears to be entering a new phase that may be decisive in determining its future. Despite regional and international pressures, a political solution remains the best option to avoid dividing the country and continuing the conflict.