**Syria’s Assad Regime Falls, Leaving Putin with a Reputation Hit**
The regime of Bashar al-Assad in Syria has collapsed after just 10 days. Rebels, led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), took control of Aleppo and entered Damascus, declaring an end to Assad’s rule.
**Russian Troops Flee Syria**
Reports say that Russian military personnel are fleeing the Tartus and Khimeim bases in Syria. Some Russian military commentators have confirmed this, stating that troops are being “relocated” while pro-Russian and pro-Iran accounts are having meltdowns on social media platforms.
**Impact on Ukraine**
These developments play a significant role for Ukraine, which is at war with both Russia and Iran. Syria has been used by Russia to test its military strategies, including the “raze to the ground” approach now being used in Ukraine.
**Opportunistic Russia**
While Putin’s regime takes a hit from the collapse of Assad’s regime, experts say it doesn’t necessarily spell doom for Putin. Russia is known to be opportunistic and can adapt quickly. American Colonel Nathan Colvin noted that Moscow serves as a disruptive force that seeks to undermine Western liberal institutions.
**Internal Power Struggles Ahead**
As the initial happiness fades away, internal power struggles will begin in Syria. Middle East expert Dr. Omar Arfoush cautioned against premature conclusions, noting that different actors could eventually confront each other. He believes that if the coalition of rebels can stop the fighting and take it to elections, court, and the media, it’ll be a big success for both Syria and Ukraine.
**Iran’s Operational Loss**
Dr. Arfoush also believes that Assad’s fall is an operational loss for Iran. Meanwhile, for Russia, it’s a degradation in their capabilities. The armed opposition in Syria has agreed that Iran has no place in the country, which could be a strategic defeat for Iran.
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