“Western intelligence agencies are still trying to discern the nature of the relationship between Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), its leader Golani and Turkish President Erdoğan. There is no doubt about their cooperation in intelligence sharing, weapons transfers and long-term strategic goals. The question, however, is whether Turkey merely influences the new Syrian regime or exercises full control over it.” – Nadav Eyal
HISTORIC MOMENT
WATCH: Syria after the Assads: What Happened and What Follows?: Jonathan Spyer: Middle East Forum, Dec. 11, 2024 — Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a Sunni Islamist organization, has taken Damascus, completing its stunning ten-day offensive and overthrowing the Bashar al-Assad regime. This historic moment has many and profound implications. Which key factors made possible the HTS success? What next for Syria? How will this major shift affect Turkey, Iran, Israel, Russia, and the United States?
Israel’s New Fear: From Shiite to Sunni Jihad: Nadav Eyal, Ynet News, Dec. 14, 2024 — Iran’s proxy strategy—the network of operatives it built against Israel—once seemed effective and intimidating. But it turns out that slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah’s “spiderweb” metaphor wasn’t about Israel, but rather Iran’s network.
WATCH: Syria after the Assads: What Happened and What Follows? with Jonathan Spyer: Middle East Forum, Dec. 11, 2024 — Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a Sunni Islamist organization, has taken Damascus, completing its stunning ten-day offensive and overthrowing the Bashar al-Assad regime. This historic moment has many and profound implications. Which key factors made possible the HTS success? What next for Syria? How will this major shift affect Turkey, Iran, Israel, Russia, and the United States?
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Syria: Is Iran Retreating While Turkey Advances?: David Benoussan, Isranet, Dec. 12, 2024
Having Outplayed Russia and Outsmarted Iran, Turkey Is Reinvented from Syria Revolution – Opinion: Amotz Asa-El, Jerusalem Post, Dec. 13, 2024
Turkey’s Syrian Jihadists Take Over Syria: Kurds, Half a Million Christians Under Intolerable Threat: Uzay Bulut, Gatestone Institute, Dec. 16, 2024
Turkish-orchestrated Attacks on Kurds Also Threaten Israeli Interests: Yaacov Lappin, JNS, Dec. 16, 2024
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FOR FURTHER REFERENCE
Everything in the Middle East Means the Opposite: The Easy Way to Make Sense of Syria, Gaza, Lebanon and Israel: Daniel Greenfield, Gatestone Institute, Dec. 16, 2024 — Even as Islamic Jihadists are taking over Syria, ethnically cleansing Kurds and terrorizing Christians, the media is hailing the new “inclusive” regime which “liberated” Syria.
WATCH: National Security Expert “Assad’s Fall in Syria Could END Iranian Regime…”: Yishai Fleisher, YouTube, Dec. 8, 2024 — Stunning events in Syria are taking place in a complex geopolitical environment. Dr. Michael Doran takes us through the history and who’s who in the cast of power holders on the scene.
WATCH: The Perfect Storm that Allowed an Islamist Victory in Syria: Daniel Pipes, Middle East Forum, Dec. 12, 2024 — What were the series of events that created the so-called “perfect storm” for rebel factions in Syria to overthrow the Assad regime? Does the regime’s collapse signal the end of the axis of resistance against Israel? Joining me now to discuss this is Daniel Pipes, author, historian, and president of the Middle East Forum. Daniel, thank you for joining us.
Turkey, US Discuss Possible Roles in Syria’s Future, Foreign Minister Says: Reuters, Jerusalem Post, Dec. 13, 2024 — US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan discussed on Friday the need for continued efforts to counter any resurgence of Islamic State in Syria following the fall of Bashar-al Assad.