Syria on the Brink: Rebel Advance Sparks Fears of Extremist Control
A wave of rebel victories is sweeping across Syria, sending shockwaves through the country and raising alarm bells internationally. The Assad regime, long a fixture in the Middle East, appears increasingly vulnerable under a relentless opposition offensive.
A Storm of Rebel Gains
Just a month ago, the first serious challenge to Assad’s grip on power emerged when rebels, spearheaded by the hard-line group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), stormed Aleppo.This marked a turning point, emboldening opposition forces. Hama and Daraa soon fell, and now the opposition stands poised to capture Homs. Meanwhile, US-backed Kurdish groups have seized control of Deir ez-Zor, further chipping away at the Assad regime’s control.
If the current momentum continues, the rebels may soon lay siege to Damascus, the seat of Assad’s power. This dizzying pace of advances has triggered widespread concern, not only for the Syrian people caught in the crossfire but also for the potential consequences of an extremist takeover.
The Spectre of Extremism
“Of course, the primary concern for all — along with the safety of the Syrian people — should be the possibility that a military offensive led by extremists may succeed in taking control of one of the key states in the Middle East,” a concerned observer warned.
HTS, with its origins in Al Qaeda and alliances with other extremist and sectarian groups, has fueled these anxieties. Should HTS capture Damascus, some fear it could impose a vision mirroring the brutality of the self-proclaimed Islamic State. The coming days will be critical in revealing HTS’s true intentions.
Navigating a Perilous Path
The international community faces a daunting challenge: how to prevent further bloodshed while mitigating the risk of extremism taking root. Many believe a negotiated settlement is the only path forward.
“Ideally, the Assad government should enter into dialogue with moderate opposition groups, and ensure an orderly transition of power that can stop further bloodshed,” a diplomat emphasized. “Syria’s neighbours and international forces should also encourage a negotiated settlement, instead of fanning the flames.”
However, Syria has become a geopolitical chessboard, with foreign powers vying for influence. Russia and Iran, key backers of Assad, are deeply invested in preserving his regime. The US and Turkey, on the other hand, have lent their support to various opposition groups. In the background, Israel watches attentively, relishing the weakening of one of Iran and Hezbollah’s most strategic allies.
A Delicate Balancing Act
Any future solution must be carefully calibrated. Syria’s territorial integrity must be preserved, its rich tapestry of cultures and religions protected. Most importantly, the country cannot become a haven for extremist groups. “Those foreign forces egging on the ‘moderate’ hardliners must keep this in mind, lest they create another monster,” a regional analyst cautioned.
The future of Syria hangs precariously in the balance. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining whether the country embarks on a path toward peace or plunges further into chaos and instability.
What are the potential consequences of HTS capturing Damascus?
## Syria on the Brink: A Conversation with Middle East Expert Dr. Sophia Khalil
**Host:** Welcome back to the program. Today we’re focusing on the rapidly evolving situation in Syria. Dr. Sophia Khalil, Middle East expert and author of “Navigating the Syrian Crisis”, joins us now. Dr. Khalil, the last month has seen a dramatic surge in rebel successes. What’s behind this sudden momentum shift?
**Dr. Khalil:** Well, it’s a combination of factors. The initial capture of Aleppo by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied rebel groups was a major turning point. [[1](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/syrian-rebels-claim-captured-capital-damascus-rcna183263)]It showed the Assad regime’s vulnerabilities and emboldened other opposition forces. Simultaneously, US-backed Kurdish groups have made significant inroads in the east, further pressuring the regime.
**Host:** We’re already seeing international anxiety over the possibility of an extremist takeover. HTS, with its ties to Al Qaeda, is particularly concerning.
**Dr. Khalil:** Absolutely. The fear is that if HTS captures
Damascus, it could create a safe haven for extremist groups and destabilize the entire region. We must remember that HTS is just one component of a complex rebel landscape. Many other opposition groups, some more moderate, are also vying for control.
**Host:** So what are the potential scenarios we might see unfolding in Syria in the coming months?
**Dr. Khalil:** It’s incredibly difficult to predict with certainty. We could see a negotiated settlement, though that seems less likely given the current momentum. A fragmentation of power is also possible, with different factions controlling various regions. However, the most worrisome scenario is a total collapse of the Syrian state and the rise of extremist control, which would have devastating consequences for the Syrian people and the wider Middle East.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Khalil, for your insights. Clearly, the situation in Syria remains incredibly volatile and requires close attention from the international community.
