Syria Braces For Escalation as Opposition Captures Key Cities
Russia Reaffirms Support for Assad Amidst Growing Crisis
As fighting intensifies in northern Syria, Russia reaffirmed its unwavering support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, vowing to contribute to “stabilizing the situation.” This statement from Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for the Russian presidency, arrived following a major offensive launched by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham and opposition factions. The onslaught allowed the opposition to capture large swathes of territory, including the crucial city of Aleppo.
While Moscow committed to bolstering its position, Peskov remained tight-lipped about how Russia would increase its support, acknowledging the strain on its military resources due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Assad himself labeled the recent escalation as a calculated move to “divide the region and redraw its maps,” warning that the ultimate goal is to fragment nations and sow further chaos. He emphasized that the increasing violence would only reinforce Syria and its army’s resolve to fiercely confront the opposition.
Regional Powers Wrangle Over the Conflict’s Roots
The escalating violence has sparked a flurry of reactions from neighboring countries and international powers.
Maintaining that the recent attacks were not spurred by “foreign interference,” Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan pointed to the absence of dialogue between the Assad regime and its opponents as the root cause of the recurring conflict. He characterized any interpretation of the situation as foreign interference as a “mistake.”
China, a staunch ally of Assad, pledged its continued support for the Syrian regime’s “efforts to maintain stability.” Lin Jian, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, underscored China’s commitment as a “friendly country of Syria,” ready to actively contribute to preventing further deterioration of the situation. He highlighted the deepening strategic ties between Damascus and Beijing, particularly since the September 2023 announcement of a “strategic partnership” between the two nations.
In stark contrast, the United States, alongside its allies France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, issued a joint statement clamoring for “de-escalation” in Syria. The statement underlined the urgent need to prioritize civilian safety and the protection of infrastructure in conflict zones.
The allies stressed that the current escalation underscores the pressing need for a political solution to the Syrian crisis, led by Damascus and guided by UN Security Council Resolution No. 2254, which provides a framework for the peace process.
Meanwhile, Iran, another key supporter of the Assad regime, declared its unwavering commitment to send “military advisors” to bolster Syrian government forces. Addressing the ongoing controversy around Iran’s military presence in Syria, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei clarified that the deployment of advisors
wasn’t a new development but rather a continuation of ongoing support provided since the conflict’s outset.
Civilian Casualties Mount Amidst Airstrikes
The military escalation in northern Syria has triggered widespread concern, particularly given the ongoing assault by opposition forces on government-controlled areas.
In response, Russian and Syrian forces have conducted airstrikes targeting opposition positions. Reports from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reveal that these airstrikes resulted in numerous civilian casualties, including children.
The situation in Syria remains precarious, with conflicting narratives and escalating violence threatening to further destabilize the region. As the conflict grinds on, the international community continues to grapple with finding a lasting solution to the crisis.
What are the potential geopolitical ramifications of Russia’s strained resources due to the war in Ukraine on its involvement in the Syrian Civil War?
## Syria in Flames: An Interview with Dr. Sarah Khan
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**Host:** Welcome back to Global Watch. Tensions are reaching a boiling point in Syria as an opposition offensive has taken the strategically vital city of Aleppo, a development that has drawn strong responses from regional and international powers. We are joined today by Dr. Sarah Khan, a leading expert on Middle East politics and conflict resolution. Dr. Khan, thank you for joining us.
**Dr. Khan:** It’s my pleasure to be here.
**Host:** Let’s dive right in. The capture of Aleppo by opposition forces is a major turning point. How significant is this development?
**Dr. Khan:** It’s extremely significant. Aleppo has always been a symbol of the Syrian conflict. Its recapture by the opposition, after years of intense fighting and destruction, sends a powerful message that the Assad regime’s grip on power is weakening. This could embolden other opposition groups and potentially trigger further escalation.
**Host:** Russia, a key ally of Assad, has reaffirmed its support, but has also acknowledged strain on its resources due to the conflict in Ukraine. How do you see Russia navigating this complex situation?
**Dr. Khan:** Russia faces a difficult dilemma. While it wants to maintain its influence in Syria and protect its ally Assad, the ongoing drain on its military and financial resources due to the war in Ukraine makes sustained large-scale intervention challenging. Moscow might offer increased political and diplomatic support, potentially even facilitating negotiations, but pushing for a full-blown military intervention is unlikely. [[1](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/syria-war-aleppo-airstrikes-russia-assad-rebels-offensive/)]
**Host:** What about China, another supporter of the Assad regime? How are they reacting to this escalation?
**Dr. Khan:** China has consistently backed the Assad regime and emphasized its commitment to “stability” in Syria. We’re seeing calls for dialog and a de-escalation of violence, but significant concrete action beyond rhetoric seems unlikely. China’s focus right now appears to be on salvaging its investments in Syria and preventing further destabilization that could undermine its Belt and Road Initiative.
**Host:** There are varying interpretations of the conflict’s root cause. Some blame foreign involvement, while others highlight internal factors. Where do you stand on this issue?
**Dr. Khan:** The truth is, as in most protracted conflicts, there is no single cause. The Syrian civil war is a complex tapestry woven with diverse threads—from longstanding grievances against the Assad regime, socio-economic inequalities, to the external actors with vested interests in the region.
While foreign involvement undoubtedly plays a role, blaming it solely overlooks the underlying domestic dynamics that have fueled the conflict for over a decade.
**Host:** what potential scenarios do you foresee unfolding in Syria in the coming months?
**Dr. Khan:**
It’s hard to predict with certainty. We could see a fragmented Syria, with various factions controlling different areas, or a renewed push by the Assad regime to regain control, potentially with the help of its allies, leading to a further intensification of violence. The possibility of a negotiated settlement, though remote at this stage, shouldn’t be discounted. Ultimately, the path forward depends on the actions of the warring parties, regional powers, and the international community.
**Host:** Dr. Sarah Khan, thank you for sharing your insightful analysis.
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