The recent fall of Bashar al-Assad in Syria has shed light on the weakened support from Russia and Iran, according to statements from the White House on Monday. The White House emphasized that both countries were no longer able to provide the necessary backing for the Assad regime to survive.
Deputy national security adviser Jon Finer highlighted that the primary backers of Assad, Russia, and Iran, were taken by surprise by these developments. He noted that the Assad regime had essentially become a joint venture between Russia and Iran within Syria, and the lack of support from these partners played a significant role in the regime's downfall.
Finer pointed out that Iran has faced other setbacks in the Middle East over the past year, citing the diminished status of groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. He also mentioned Iran's unsuccessful attempts to strike Israel with ballistic missiles, indicating a lack of strength in Iran's current position.
Regarding Russia, Finer referenced the conflict in Ukraine as an example of Russia's questionable reliability as a security partner to other nations. The White House attributed the shifting dynamics in Syria to the efforts of the United States and its allies over the past year.
The developments in Syria have raised questions about the future implications for both Russia and Iran in the region. While the specifics of these implications remain subject to speculation, the White House underscored that the recent events reflect a significant shift in the balance of power in the Middle East.
