Rebel forces have taken control of the Syrian capital, with Bashar al Assad fleeing Damascus after 24 years of rule. The insurgents, led by jihadi group Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS) and backed by Turkey, have been designated as a terrorist group by the US and Russia. HTS, which was once part of al Qaeda, has rebranded itself as a more moderate force. They have been making efforts to protect citizens and assure minority groups of their safety.
As the rebels enter Aleppo, questions arise about their political plans and intentions. Despite their recent victories in the civil war, the international community is stunned at the rapid progress of the rebels. The timing of these events is seen as a strategic move, taking advantage of a vulnerable Assad regime amid the absence of key international players like Russia and Iran.
The conflict in Syria has implications for other nations, with the US, Israel, Turkey, and Russia all having interests in the region. The US has troops in northeast Syria to guard against the Islamic State resurgence, while Turkey opposes Kurdish expansion and has forces in the country. The fast-moving conflict poses a unique geopolitical challenge, with the balance of power in the Middle East potentially shifting. The unfolding events in Syria are sure to have a lasting impact on regional dynamics and international relations.
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