The current situation in Syria appears to have been carefully orchestrated. The timing of the rebels’ actions was deliberate, with the West seemingly selecting the right moment to strike. President Bashar al-Assad, a key ally of Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and Iran’s leadership, is facing mounting pressure from their own challenges at the moment. However, the geopolitical landscape is complex, with Russia heavily engaged in the war in Ukraine, Iran focusing on its support of Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the United States preparing for a potential shift in leadership under former President Donald Trump, whose anti-war stance could significantly alter global dynamics.
When President Donald J. Trump return to power in January 20th 2025, it is likely that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky would be forced to accept a deal with President Putin, and offcourse we might see a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, and, potentially, the end of various conflicts around the globe. In Syria, the rebels have made significant progress, having taken control of Aleppo and Hama, and are now advancing toward Damascus. It is clear that these rebels have received support from Western nations.
Former President Barack Obama and his administration played a critical role in supporting these rebels, with the aim of overthrowing President Assad, who they viewed as a dictator. Obama’s strategy sought to replicate the kind of intervention that led to the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in Libya. However, despite Western support, the Assad regime, bolstered by Russia and Iran, successfully repelled the rebels and, in the process, Aftermath of Obama administration, President Trump first term eliminated the threat posed by ISIS.
While President Assad is far from perfect, as no leader is, it is important to recognize that supporting efforts to overthrow a legitimately elected government constitutes a grave crime. The consequences of such interference are often overlooked. The West may be celebrating its apparent victory against Assad, but the reality is that the rebels they helped install may one day turn Syria into a hotbed of terrorism, potentially creating a new iteration of ISIS. Should this happen, the West must take responsibility for the fallout.
Written by Oladigbo Olalekan Efficient, ACIPM.
Group Programmes Manager, TungbaFM Nigeria.
efficient.olalekan@gmail.com