The rapid fall of Aleppo to Islamic terrorists this week underscores the chaotic state of Syria and the glaring shortcomings of a regime propped up by Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah. Let’s not sugarcoat it: this is a catastrophic failure of Bashar al-Assad’s leadership and the foreign allies who have kept his regime on life support.
It took the combined efforts of Assad, Iran, Russia, and Hezbollah over four years to dislodge terrorists from Aleppo in 2016. Yet, in a matter of days, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a terrorist group, has seized control of the city—including areas that Assad’s forces had previously defended at all costs. This is not just a military failure; it’s a testament to the hollow core of Assad’s regime, which relies more on its allies’ muscle than on its own capacity to govern or secure its territory.
The Turkish-backed invasion of Aleppo is horrific. Hundreds of dead in a few days. Entire villages bombed. Jihadis are executing prisoners and posting videos. Where are the protests? Where are the artists calling for a ceasefire? Where are the student riots? Where’s the boycott?
— Uri Kurlianchik (@VerminusM) November 30, 2024
The White House was quick to point fingers, blaming Assad’s refusal to engage in the political process outlined in UNSCR 2254. Fair enough. But let’s not ignore the broader dynamics. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has drained its military resources, weakening its ability to support Assad. Meanwhile, Iran, already stretched thin from its adventures in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza, has been hammered by Israel. Tehran’s pet project, Hezbollah, is barely standing after Israel systematically dismantled its leadership and weaponry. Hezbollah might still make the headlines, but it’s a shadow of its former self.
“The Assad regime’s ongoing refusal to engage in the political process outlined in UNSCR 2254, and its reliance on Russia and Iran, created the conditions now unfolding, including the collapse of Assad regime lines in northwest Syria,” the White House statement said. “At the same time, the United States has nothing to do with this offensive, which is led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a designated terrorist organization.”
“The United States, together with its partners and allies, urge de-escalation, protection of civilians and minority groups, and a serious and credible political process that can end this civil war once and for all with a political settlement consistent with UNSCR 2254,” the statement continued. “We will also continue to fully defend and protect U.S. personnel and U.S. military positions, which remain essential to ensuring that ISIS can never again resurge in Syria.”
This regional chaos is what happens when bad actors run unchecked. Iran’s IRGC, Hezbollah, and their proxies have been busy destabilizing the region for years, but now they’re overextended. With Assad’s forces undertrained and ill-equipped and with Russia and Iran unable to pick up the slack, HTS saw its opportunity and pounced.
The rebels in Aleppo are already targeting the Christian community.
Aleppo’s Christians are reportedly trapped and cannot leave the city.
Pray for Syrian Christians, they are the real victims in this war.
— Dr. Maalouf (@realMaalouf) November 30, 2024
And let’s talk about the U.S. response. Sure, the White House denies involvement in the Aleppo offensive and calls for a political solution. But this feels like a hands-off approach that doesn’t match the gravity of the situation. Meanwhile, the administration assures us it will “protect U.S. personnel and positions.” Translation: America will continue the bare minimum to prevent ISIS from resurging while offering platitudes about de-escalation.
The collapse of Aleppo isn’t just a local disaster; it’s a flashing red light for the broader Middle East. It’s a reminder that when rogue regimes and terrorist groups fight over the spoils of chaos, civilians and stability are the first casualties.
