After Turkey-backed radical Islamist forces seized the pivotal Syrian city of Hama on Thursday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed support for the military advance of his allies. Erdogan stated that the objective is to reach the capital city of Damascus, where Syrian dictator Bashar Assad resides.
Erdogan's comments allude to the presence of U.S.-designated terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) within the rebel force. The London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that HTS is now near the military academy in Homs, a significant city in Syria.
The progress of HTS and its coalition partners in seizing Aleppo and Hama has disrupted the Middle East region, with countries like Israel and Jordan closely monitoring the situation. The expected battle in Homs is crucial, as it will involve various factions, including Iran's regime and Hezbollah, against the HTS coalition.
The power dynamics in Syria highlight the rivalry between Turkey and Iran, two influential Mideast nations with differing interests in the region. Former Israeli Ambassador Jacob Rosen emphasized the strategic implications of Syria's control for these nations.
As the conflict in Syria escalates, the U.S., European Union, and Israel face uncertainties regarding the future of Assad's regime. The Syrian revolt has spread to Daraa, prompting defections within the regime forces and raising questions about Syria's stability.
Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of HTS, recently conveyed a message of regime defeat, appealing to Western powers for support. The complex nature of the conflict involves accusations of war crimes and the involvement of various Islamic militias supported by different global players.
With the U.S. maintaining troops in Syria to combat terrorism, the focus shifts to the potential for a political solution under Resolution 2254. Analysts suggest that the incoming U.S. administration could leverage recent events to push for a transitional governing body in Syria.
