**Fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad Regime Highlights Weakness of Russia and Iran**
The European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, said on December 8 that the collapse of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime shows the weakness of his backers, Russia and Iran. The Assad regime has been ousted from Damascus, the capital city of Syria.
**Rapid Rebel Advance**
Syrian rebels announced on December 8 that they had taken control of Damascus after a rapid rebel offensive dismantled Assad’s hold on power within two weeks. This marks a significant shift in regional influence as Russia, a long-standing supporter of Assad, maintained substantial military infrastructure in Syria.
**Russian Withdrawal**
Moscow reportedly began withdrawing its military presence from Syria, according to Ukraine’s military intelligence agency. The withdrawal comes as rebels advancing from Damascus push toward Syria’s coastal provinces, including Latakia, Hama, and Tartus, where Russian military bases are located.
**US President-elect Donald Trump Comments**
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said on December 8 that Assad’s fall highlights Russia’s strained foreign policy. He also commented on the situation in Ukraine, saying Ukrainian military losses had reached “400,000 soldiers, and many more civilians.”
**Global Cooperation Needed**
Kallas stressed the necessity of global cooperation to stabilize Syria and ensure broader regional security. She described Assad’s fall as a “positive and long-awaited development.”
**Stakes for Russia**
There is much at stake for Russia if Assad’s regime falls. Russia will lose its regional foothold in the Middle East, which could have significant implications for their foreign policy.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com